Ever notice how the words "Let's go on a picnic" light up faces and bring a sparkle to people's eyes. A picnic evokes feelings of excitement, its shrieks "let's have fun"!
Why not break the routine of daily life and spoil that special person in your life. It needn't be Valentine's day, an anniversary or a birthday, it can be any day, anywhere. Best of all picnic foods are simple to prepare and can be prepared in advance.
Picnic essentials:
- Picnic blanket or beach carpet
- Umbrella (daytime)
- Eating utensils (if applicable) and paper cups
- Can opener, bottle opener, corkscrew, matches, candles, paper bags (as necessary)
- Garbage bags and Ziploc bags for left over’s
- Paper towels, napkins or wet wipes
- Camera to capture special moments
- Toothpicks
Here are a few of my favorite fuss free, great tasting solutions:
- Shaved cold meats (peppered salami, smoked ham, prosciutto) or shredded cold roast chicken
- Smoked oysters
- Mini pita pockets with hummus and ready made meat balls or lightly toasted with ham and cheese
- Infused olives
- Char-grilled prawns
- Ready-made sandwiches or quesadillas
- Cheeses (brie, goats cheese, cheddar)
- Dips and pates, potato chips and crackers
- Freshly baked bread (French, baguette, sourdough or ciabatta all work nicely)
- Crudités (for instance blanched asparagus, carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, sliced peppers and cucumber strips)
- Parmesan cheese twists (Layout store bough puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, lightly brush pastry with beaten egg wash, sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese, chili flakes and sesame or poppy seeds. Bake for 10 minutes at 200°C (390°F)).
- Tapenade palmiers (Layout a sheet of puff pastry, spread generously with olive tapenade and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Fold the opposite sides of the pastry into the centre until they meet and bake for 15 minutes at 200°C (390°F)).
- Store bought dolmades
- Strawberries (fresh or dipped in melted milk chocolate and once set in melted white chocolate).
- Bar of luxury chocolate or truffles
- French macaroons
- Fresh fruit or fruit kebabs (use beautiful red cherries and strawberries, plump grapes, cut up watermelon or other bite sized favorites or seasonal produce)
- Personalized cupcakes with a romantic message
Remember to store your foods in containers, a basket or Ziploc bags that will keep the foods safe, appetizing and ready to serve at room temperature.
No time to prepare your own delicious feast?
Try one of these companies that specialize in picnics (South Africa only).
www.spier.co.za
Grab a blanket, camera and your loved ones. Spier wine farm (www.spier.co.za) has a fine selection of picnic eats. You pay per item, select your own favorite treats and enjoy some leisurely time in the sun.
Zevenwacht Wine Estate
Zewenwacht wine estate truly does exceed all expectations. Among other services they offer a selection of picnic favorites and with the beautiful setting, tree shaded lawns and play park area you simply cannot go wrong.
The Picnic Company
The Picnic Company is a very successful catering company offering their clients easy, affordable, chic and tasty menu options both for indoor and outdoor occasions. Menu selections range from Cape Classic, Snack Picnic, Alfresco and Mexican. They promise to deliver to your every picnic and also do customized menus tailored to your specific requirements.
Gourmet Picnic Food
With a passion for simple and fresh homemade food, Gourmet Picnic Food uses mostly organic and locally grown ingredients. Choose one of the basket options that they offer or create your very own creation with their fresh flavors and original picnic ideas.
Dial-a-picnic
Dial-a-picnic strives to take your picnic needs a step further. Their picnics are about more than just delicious food in a lovely setting. The goal is to help you create memorable moments. Clients can expect their very own personalized wicker baskets, crammed with delectable items from cold meats, pates and breads to sweet temptations and added extras. From romantic chauffeured picnics to corporate year end functions. Whatever the occasion, they take care of the whole experience from start to finish. Take some time for yourself and treat that special person as your worries drift away on a soft afternoon breeze.