[caption id="attachment_1169125" align="aligncenter" width="750"]
This picnic has everything! Blanket: check! Basket: check! Tiny Victrola and veils that make it difficult to eat: . . . check?!? Photo: Public domain.[/caption]
Summer is here! That means sunny days and fresh local produce, aka the perfect time for picnics in the park. Looking to build a pic-a-nic basket Yogi Bear would love to steal? We have a few ideas. Read on for preparation and packing tips, as well as our favorite picnic recipes perfect for a picnic a deux
or a crowd!
The Picnic Basket
First things first: you need a picnic basket! While there are dedicated picnic basket kits available online (and at antique stores) stocked with plates, flatware and drinkware (and I always drool over them), they aren't strictly necessary, especially if you only picnic a few times per year. Look around your house: a good-sized basket with a handle is a good choice, but depending on how much you're bringing, a backpack can work really well. My picnic "basket" of choice is a medium-sized fabric cooler we've had for many years--not only does it keep our food cool, but it has exterior pockets for napkins, forks, etc.
[caption id="attachment_1169130" align="aligncenter" width="750"]
Watermelon Quinoa Salad: the perfect picnic recipe! Photo: Julie Garner.[/caption]
Other necessities include a picnic blanket. For practicality's sake, choose something lightweight that folds up small and is machine washable. A large beach towel can perform double duty if you're picnicking at the pool or near a fountain!
What else should you bring? Check your menu. If you're bringing sandwiches, cookies and canned soda, you may only need napkins. But if you're planning a more elaborate menu with salads and a large container of lemonade, you'll want to bring plates, flatware and cups. Paper plates are easy and convenient. However, durable (and reusable) melamine plates can class things up and help support the environment. Many department and even grocery stores have cute sets available for sale, or you can pick an eclectic mix from your local thrift store for pennies! The same goes for flatware and glassware: unbreakable, reusable versions can be picked up (or pulled from your cabinets) cheaply and easily if you plan ahead. Finally, don't forget serveware like large spoons or salad tongs.
Miscellaneous Goods:
- Salt and pepper
- Sunscreen and bug repellent
- Tablecloth and clips, if you'll have a picnic table
- Citronella candles and matches (fancy!)
- Wet wipes
- Garbage/recycling bag, if needed
Picnic Prep
[caption id="attachment_1169134" align="aligncenter" width="750"]
Quinoa Tabblouleh Salad: delicious and gluten free! Photo: Julie Garner.[/caption]
Proper picnic prep can keep things chill (literally) and reduce the chance of any unpleasant surprises or last-minute scrambles! First: write down your menu and note what should/can be made ahead of time, what should be made the day of, and what (if anything) should be made during the picnic. [Sidebar: one of my favorite picnic cookbooks,
The Picnic: Recipes and Inspiration from Basket to Blanket, by local Portland writers Marnie Hanel, Andrea Slonecker, and Jen Stevenson, describes the proper way to transport and prepare deviled eggs at your picnic site. If you ever do this, know that I will be extremely impressed and also, please invite me to your picnics.]
Many sandwiches can be made the day before and refrigerated: just keep fragile, perishable toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocados separate until you're ready to eat. Many pasta and grain salads can also be made ahead--in fact, many taste even better when they've had a day or two to meet and mingle.
You have two choices with salads that may wilt: either toss the salad together and refrigerate it without the dressing, or prep the ingredients and refrigerate them separately, also without the dressing. Ideally, you could put everything in small containers inside a large, lidded bowl. At the picnic site, empty everything into the bowl, drizzle with dressing, and toss!
[caption id="attachment_1169132" align="aligncenter" width="750"]
Mediterranean Farro Salad is an ideal picnic recipe! Photo: Julie Garner.[/caption]
If you're serving crudite (aka cut-up vegetables), you can peel and cut them the day before and keep them in plastic bags or containers, wrapped in damp towels. And of course, most baked goods like cookies, muffins, or pies can be prepared ahead of time.
When it's time to pack your basket, keep two things in mind: the proper containers for your food, and how to keep things chilled, if needed. Make sure to toss your reusable ice packs in the freezer the night before! As far as containers, I know some people
love Mason jars and other glass containers. They're pretty, and reusable! But I don't trust my family (or myself) not to break them, so I like to pack everything in reusable, airtight plastic containers to protect them from moisture and getting squished.
[caption id="attachment_1169131" align="aligncenter" width="750"]
Our No-Knead Bread makes excellent sandwiches. Plus: you get bonus points if you bring a fancy cutting board on a picnic. Photo: Julie Garner.[/caption]
When packing your basket, place your freezer packs (if needed) at the bottom, and then layer in things that need to be kept cold, like drinks or items containing mayonnaise, eggs and dairy. Try to keep the heavier items toward the bottom! Then lay lighter items--like fruit and cookies--on top, cover with your blanket (if your basket doesn't have a lid), and you're ready to go!
Picnic Recipes
We've finally made it to the main event: the food! Keep in mind that while your picnic food should be portable and easy to eat outside, that doesn't mean it can't be colorful, luscious, fun and indulgent! Spring, summer and fall are bursting with all kinds of seasonal produce--what better things to eat outside? And of course, the backbone of many fantastic al fresco foods is the humble grain. We're here for you with some great picnic recipes, below!
Salad
[caption id="attachment_1169135" align="alignright" width="350"]
Burrata and goat cheese: yum! Photo: Chef Billy Parisi.[/caption]
Grain bowls are like salads on steroids: greens, hearty grains like farro, sorghum or millet, lean protein like legumes or salmon, roasted veggies, sauces, and
all the toppings. They're completely customizable and wonderfully portable, which makes them perfect picnic recipes. Check out our
No Recipe Grain Bowls.
Cultivate picnic envy: our
Watermelon Quinoa Salad with Fermented Honey is simple, delicious and gorgeous to look at, to boot! Sweet juicy watermelon is combined with earthy quinoa, salty feta, bright citrus and basil or mint. Our
Quinoa Tabbouleh is also an excellent choice.
For a savory main dish salad, consider our
Mediterranean Farro Salad.
Organic Farro is tossed with cubed eggplant, cucumbers, tomatoes and red onion, and topped with fresh herbs like dill, mint and parsley.
Speaking of indulgent, have you check out Chef Billy Parisi's recipe for
Roasted Beet and Tomato Salad with Burrata and Toasted Pepitas? Because it is
nuts. Two kinds of beets, two kinds of cheese, plus pecans, pumpkin seeds, and cherry tomatoes? Yes please!
Sandwiches
[caption id="attachment_1169139" align="alignright" width="350"]
Olive bread! So good with egg salad. Photo: Relish Division.[/caption]
Sandwiches are classic picnic fare for a reason: you can eat them with one hand, and they don't require plates or flatware. Plus, the fillings are virtually limitless! However, the basis for every great sandwich is an excellent bread, and do we have some wonderful recipes for you:
New to making yeast bread? Our
No-Knead Artisan Bread is made with our
Artisan Bread Flour and is
so easy to make. No kneading, no special equipment, no hassle. It's also incredibly delicious with a fantastic, chewy crust! Ready to earn extra credit? Give our
No-Knead Artisan Olive Bread a whirl! Studded with buttery, salty, fruity kalamata and green olives, this is a very special bread that's a snap to make.
Looking for a hearty, slightly sweet wheat bread? Our
Honey Wheat Bread is a classic for a reason: made from a combination of our 100% stone-ground whole wheat flour and unbleached all purpose flour, this recipe yields two wonderfully flavored and textured loaves with crisp crusts.
Want a surefire hit? Pick up a bag of our
10 Grain Bread Mix, which makes one terrific one-pound loaf. It has a mild, nutty flavor from our unique combination of unbleached white flour, 7 grain cereal, whole wheat flour, rolled oats, dark rye flour, brown rice flour, corn flour, millet flour, oat flour, barley flour, white bean flour, triticale flour, corn grits, and millet grits.
Gluten free? Try our
Gluten Free Homemade Wonderful Bread Mix. This bread is fantastic for sandwiches, although you can also use this mix to make dinner rolls and hamburger buns. Can also be made dairy free!
Picnic Recipes: Sandwich Edition
- Peanut butter and jam with sliced strawberries
- Ham, gruyère cheese and Dijon with sliced gherkins
- BLAT: Bacon, lettuce, avocado and tomato
- Brie, fig jam and arugula
- Italian cured meats like prosciutto, salami and capicola, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, goat cheese and olive tapenade
- Sliced homegrown or farmer's market tomatoes, oil-packed sundried tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar
- Chicken or egg salad (or both) with herbed mayonnaise (tarragon is especially fresh tasting)
- Sliced radishes, microgreens, butter, flaky sea salt and pepper
Desserts
[caption id="attachment_1169140" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Gluten Free Carrot Cupcakes from the Frugal Farmwife![/caption]
Cookies are a wonderful addition to any picnic--especially if you don't forget the milk! Try our miraculous recipe for
Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies, which are gluten free and vegan. Too hot to bake? Try our
Davy Crockett No-Bake Cookies. These rich cocoa-flavored cookies get a nutritional boost from flaxseed, rolled oats, hemp seed, and pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
[caption id="attachment_1169144" align="alignright" width="350"]
Be a picnic all-star with this luscious stone fruit crisp! Photo: Julie Garner.[/caption]
Lemonade is a classic picnic recipe, and our
Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes combine its tart freshness with local strawberries! Light lemony cupcakes are flavored with citrus juice and zest and topped with a rich buttercream lightened with fresh berry puree. Strawberries not in season? You can swap them for your favorite ripe berries (strain seedy berries like blackberries before using, unless you have a VitaMix or other high-powered blender).
Another fantastic option is our
Gluten Free Carrot Cake Cupcakes, made with Bob's Red Mill
Paleo Baking Flour, shredded carrots and spices and topped with cream cheese frosting!
Finally, we have two additional recipes that take advantage of summer's best fresh fruit:
Honey Blackberry Pie, made with our
Gluten Free Pie Crust Mix, and this luscious
Stone Fruit Crisp--toss fresh sliced peaches, nectarines, or plums with sugar, lemon juice and spices and top with a topping made with
Rolled Oats, sugar and butter!
Are you inspired to go on a picnic this weekend? Do you have any go-to picnic recipes or tips to share? Post them below!
This picnic has everything! Blanket: check! Basket: check! Tiny Victrola and veils that make it difficult to eat: . . . check?!? Photo: Public domain.[/caption]
Summer is here! That means sunny days and fresh local produce, aka the perfect time for picnics in the park. Looking to build a pic-a-nic basket Yogi Bear would love to steal? We have a few ideas. Read on for preparation and packing tips, as well as our favorite picnic recipes perfect for a picnic a deux or a crowd!
Watermelon Quinoa Salad: the perfect picnic recipe! Photo: Julie Garner.[/caption]
Other necessities include a picnic blanket. For practicality's sake, choose something lightweight that folds up small and is machine washable. A large beach towel can perform double duty if you're picnicking at the pool or near a fountain!
What else should you bring? Check your menu. If you're bringing sandwiches, cookies and canned soda, you may only need napkins. But if you're planning a more elaborate menu with salads and a large container of lemonade, you'll want to bring plates, flatware and cups. Paper plates are easy and convenient. However, durable (and reusable) melamine plates can class things up and help support the environment. Many department and even grocery stores have cute sets available for sale, or you can pick an eclectic mix from your local thrift store for pennies! The same goes for flatware and glassware: unbreakable, reusable versions can be picked up (or pulled from your cabinets) cheaply and easily if you plan ahead. Finally, don't forget serveware like large spoons or salad tongs.
Miscellaneous Goods:
Quinoa Tabblouleh Salad: delicious and gluten free! Photo: Julie Garner.[/caption]
Proper picnic prep can keep things chill (literally) and reduce the chance of any unpleasant surprises or last-minute scrambles! First: write down your menu and note what should/can be made ahead of time, what should be made the day of, and what (if anything) should be made during the picnic. [Sidebar: one of my favorite picnic cookbooks, The Picnic: Recipes and Inspiration from Basket to Blanket, by local Portland writers
Many sandwiches can be made the day before and refrigerated: just keep fragile, perishable toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocados separate until you're ready to eat. Many pasta and grain salads can also be made ahead--in fact, many taste even better when they've had a day or two to meet and mingle.
You have two choices with salads that may wilt: either toss the salad together and refrigerate it without the dressing, or prep the ingredients and refrigerate them separately, also without the dressing. Ideally, you could put everything in small containers inside a large, lidded bowl. At the picnic site, empty everything into the bowl, drizzle with dressing, and toss!
[caption id="attachment_1169132" align="aligncenter" width="750"]
Mediterranean Farro Salad is an ideal picnic recipe! Photo: Julie Garner.[/caption]
If you're serving crudite (aka cut-up vegetables), you can peel and cut them the day before and keep them in plastic bags or containers, wrapped in damp towels. And of course, most baked goods like cookies, muffins, or pies can be prepared ahead of time.
When it's time to pack your basket, keep two things in mind: the proper containers for your food, and how to keep things chilled, if needed. Make sure to toss your reusable ice packs in the freezer the night before! As far as containers, I know some people love Mason jars and other glass containers. They're pretty, and reusable! But I don't trust my family (or myself) not to break them, so I like to pack everything in reusable, airtight plastic containers to protect them from moisture and getting squished.
[caption id="attachment_1169131" align="aligncenter" width="750"]
Our No-Knead Bread makes excellent sandwiches. Plus: you get bonus points if you bring a fancy cutting board on a picnic. Photo: Julie Garner.[/caption]
When packing your basket, place your freezer packs (if needed) at the bottom, and then layer in things that need to be kept cold, like drinks or items containing mayonnaise, eggs and dairy. Try to keep the heavier items toward the bottom! Then lay lighter items--like fruit and cookies--on top, cover with your blanket (if your basket doesn't have a lid), and you're ready to go!
Burrata and goat cheese: yum! Photo: Chef Billy Parisi.[/caption]
Grain bowls are like salads on steroids: greens, hearty grains like farro, sorghum or millet, lean protein like legumes or salmon, roasted veggies, sauces, and all the toppings. They're completely customizable and wonderfully portable, which makes them perfect picnic recipes. Check out our No Recipe Grain Bowls.
Cultivate picnic envy: our Watermelon Quinoa Salad with Fermented Honey is simple, delicious and gorgeous to look at, to boot! Sweet juicy watermelon is combined with earthy quinoa, salty feta, bright citrus and basil or mint. Our Quinoa Tabbouleh is also an excellent choice.
For a savory main dish salad, consider our Mediterranean Farro Salad. Organic Farro is tossed with cubed eggplant, cucumbers, tomatoes and red onion, and topped with fresh herbs like dill, mint and parsley.
Speaking of indulgent, have you check out Chef Billy Parisi's recipe for Roasted Beet and Tomato Salad with Burrata and Toasted Pepitas? Because it is nuts. Two kinds of beets, two kinds of cheese, plus pecans, pumpkin seeds, and cherry tomatoes? Yes please!
Sandwiches
[caption id="attachment_1169139" align="alignright" width="350"]
Olive bread! So good with egg salad. Photo: Relish Division.[/caption]
Sandwiches are classic picnic fare for a reason: you can eat them with one hand, and they don't require plates or flatware. Plus, the fillings are virtually limitless! However, the basis for every great sandwich is an excellent bread, and do we have some wonderful recipes for you:
New to making yeast bread? Our No-Knead Artisan Bread is made with our Artisan Bread Flour and is so easy to make. No kneading, no special equipment, no hassle. It's also incredibly delicious with a fantastic, chewy crust! Ready to earn extra credit? Give our No-Knead Artisan Olive Bread a whirl! Studded with buttery, salty, fruity kalamata and green olives, this is a very special bread that's a snap to make.
Looking for a hearty, slightly sweet wheat bread? Our Honey Wheat Bread is a classic for a reason: made from a combination of our 100% stone-ground whole wheat flour and unbleached all purpose flour, this recipe yields two wonderfully flavored and textured loaves with crisp crusts.
Want a surefire hit? Pick up a bag of our 10 Grain Bread Mix, which makes one terrific one-pound loaf. It has a mild, nutty flavor from our unique combination of unbleached white flour, 7 grain cereal, whole wheat flour, rolled oats, dark rye flour, brown rice flour, corn flour, millet flour, oat flour, barley flour, white bean flour, triticale flour, corn grits, and millet grits.
Gluten free? Try our Gluten Free Homemade Wonderful Bread Mix. This bread is fantastic for sandwiches, although you can also use this mix to make dinner rolls and hamburger buns. Can also be made dairy free!
Picnic Recipes: Sandwich Edition
Gluten Free Carrot Cupcakes from the Frugal Farmwife![/caption]
Cookies are a wonderful addition to any picnic--especially if you don't forget the milk! Try our miraculous recipe for Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies, which are gluten free and vegan. Too hot to bake? Try our Davy Crockett No-Bake Cookies. These rich cocoa-flavored cookies get a nutritional boost from flaxseed, rolled oats, hemp seed, and pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
[caption id="attachment_1169144" align="alignright" width="350"]
Be a picnic all-star with this luscious stone fruit crisp! Photo: Julie Garner.[/caption]
Lemonade is a classic picnic recipe, and our Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes combine its tart freshness with local strawberries! Light lemony cupcakes are flavored with citrus juice and zest and topped with a rich buttercream lightened with fresh berry puree. Strawberries not in season? You can swap them for your favorite ripe berries (strain seedy berries like blackberries before using, unless you have a VitaMix or other high-powered blender).
Another fantastic option is our Gluten Free Carrot Cake Cupcakes, made with Bob's Red Mill Paleo Baking Flour, shredded carrots and spices and topped with cream cheese frosting!
Finally, we have two additional recipes that take advantage of summer's best fresh fruit: Honey Blackberry Pie, made with our Gluten Free Pie Crust Mix, and this luscious Stone Fruit Crisp--toss fresh sliced peaches, nectarines, or plums with sugar, lemon juice and spices and top with a topping made with Rolled Oats, sugar and butter!
Are you inspired to go on a picnic this weekend? Do you have any go-to picnic recipes or tips to share? Post them below! 