Picnics conjure up fond memories of childhood. They are times when you connect with family and friends, eat, play games and have a boat-load of fun. Backyards, beaches, parks and the floor in your living room are just some of the places where you can picnic. Just as picnic locations are abundant and varied, picnic food options are diverse and plentiful. Picnic food can be homemade or prepared by a restaurant or delicatessen, and can be cold or hot. When it comes to picnic food, let your imagination be your guide.
Main Course
Your main course can be as simple as cold sandwiches made with luncheon meats and cheeses, tuna, chicken or ham salad, vegetable wraps, cheese and baguettes of bread, lobster, shrimp or crab. Many hot food items can be eaten cold. Hot meat items can be grilled, fried or baked. The meat can be unseasoned, marinated, barbecued or smoked. Hot dogs, beef or turkey burgers, kielbasi, chicken, duck, ribs, steak, lamb, pork, sausage, trout, shrimp, lobster and crab are just some of the meat options to include on your picnic.
Side Dishes
Vegetables and fruit round out a meal with tantalizing aromas and color. Most vegetables can be served hot or cold. Fresh vegetables can be cut and served with dip or added to a fresh salad. Some traditional salads include potato, macaroni, broccoli, tomato and cucumber and coleslaw. Get creative and stuff celery, mushrooms or tomatoes. Ears of corn can be grilled or steamed and eaten with butter and salt. Beans, squash, zucchini and other vegetables can be baked in a casserole. Throw some oranges, bananas, apples, grapes, cherries, plums, peaches or melons in your basket for something quick. Fresh fruit can be cut and served as a fruit salad, added to a molded jello salad or mixed with cool whip, nuts, coconut and other ingredients for a tropical salad.
Desserts
Dessert is the highlight of any meal. Fruit, candy and ice cream are some simple ways to end a meal. Some well-loved desserts include cakes, fruit pies, cupcakes, cookies, rice crispy treats and fruit tarts. An entertaining dessert option enjoyed by kids and grown-ups is toasting marshmallows over an open fire, or making s'mores with marshmallows, chocolate bars and graham crackers.
Beverages
Beverages are an important part of picnic food. They are refreshing and keep you hydrated. People appreciate a variety of beverages including bottled water, iced tea, canned or bottled soda, punch and lemonade. Remember to include diet drinks. A flavorful cup of coffee or hot tea with dessert provides a nice ending to a scrumptious meal. On cool evenings you can warm yourself with a hot cup of cocoa.
