Starting Our Picnic Adventures!

So, we have two different dictionaries in our home and each has a slightly different definition for a picnic.  What they have in common is both state a picnic is a meal eaten outdoors.  This opens a picnic up to many, many different activities such as hiking, camping, tailgating, park adventures, and simply backyard entertainment (just to mention a few).
Picnic  Definitions:
     An excursion in which members of a group eat a meal outdoors.
     Word History:  The word picnic is most probably derived from French pique-nique, whose origin is not known with absolute certainty.  The word seems to have originated in the 18th century, when it referred to a mean for which each guest contributed a dish to be served.  At some point, it became common to hold such parties outdoors and by the 19th century picnic referred to any open-air meal.
     A pleasure outing at which a meal is eaten outdoors.
Recently, we started basic picnicking and are enjoying it tremendously!  Whether we pack a picnic basket or simply stop for drive-thru food and head to a park, the change of scenery and environments add to the enjoyment of spending time with those who mean the most to you.
Spur of the moment picnics with the grand kids are always a big hit!  Even if all we do is take food to a table outside on the property, the change in scenery seems to make it an “event” versus a meal.  We talk, everyone shares food stuffs, and laughter is the theme of the picnic.
 The quality time you spend with family and friends is genuinely appreciated and enjoyed by all!  There’s something about being outdoors while you eat that is nostalgic and almost therapeutic.  It seems that when food and drink appear outside, everyone relaxes and has a great time!  
The first picnic with the grand kids, we simply emptied all the “snacks” and miscellaneous foods that end up last on the list (if other items are there to pic from), threw them into the picnic basket, and headed for the park.  Items like whole fruit, canned fruits, and dried fruits (raisins, apples, apricots) and juice boxes or water bottles are perfect and do not require refrigeration.  Throw in some nuts, pretzels and/or chips and your picnic is ready.  It was perfect, no grilling necessary, and lots of fun for everyone!
I will say that it’s nice to have an outfitted picnic basket handy.  It makes planning a lot easier when everything you need is in one place.  Grab the basket, throw in the basic food stuffs and off you go!
We are now going to enter the “cooler” phase of picnicking and include items that require refrigeration.  I’ve shopped around and there are a number of “equipped” coolers available nowadays.  I just need to find one that my basket fits inside for storage and we’ll be ready for our next adventure at picnicking – refrigerated food stuffs!
We might even move on to portable grills for more food options. . . . .one never knows!  Grab some family and/or friends and get your picnic on!  I’m sure you’ll enjoy every minute and it’ll be remember as quality time that deserves being remembered.

Sera Bean

Picnic Food Essentials

Depending on whether your family or group party has a picnic theme you can ask guests to bring certain foods of that theme to cut costs. What lots of people do is create a picnic food pot-luck which is a great idea.

Apart from food you’ll need something to drink. Most people stock their cooler with juice, water, pop with beer and wine if permitted. If you are into other funky drinks pack them along but they are costly so stick to the cheaper drinks and you’ll keep costs lower.

Today we'll share some ideas to keep it simple and have great menu ideas for your next picnic!

Deserts!!!

Right from the start I’m going to say no picnic is ever complete without brownies. Yes, you must pack homemade brownies for everyone. They are rich, creamy and perfect to end a meal or snack on.

Other picnic desserts that might grab your attention;

• Millionaire Shortbread Squares
• Picnic Berry Cobbler
• Strawberry Cheesecake Salad

For the Kids

Not all kids like to eat steak, pork chops and seafood when at a picnic so it’s important to pack picnic food for kids that appeal to them. Most often parents are safe with hotdogs, corn dog mini muffins, and burgers along with cut up vegetables and dip, fresh fruit and snacks. Make sure to have plenty of juice boxes, water and even yogurt tubes and cheese strings.

Creative Picnic Sandwiches

Popcorn chicken salad lettuce wraps are easy to make and transport on the go. We love bringing sandwich triangles to a picnic to snack on in between swimming, kicking the soccer ball around, playing volleyball, lawn bowling, hide and seek and running around the playground.

Keeping active when you are at picnic or at the beach is a great way to build up your appetite, keep fit and have fun with your friends and family.

Plan Accordingly

Take some time to plan your picnic by preparing a menu, grocery shopping and making sure you have all the picnic essentials. 

A quick trip to the dollar store will net you just about anything you need for a picnic party or picnic food on the road. 

You won’t miss a thing if you stick to good homemade eats.

What picnic food do you like? Any other cool tips you’d like to share?