Tag: picnic

Lake Fun: How to Pack the Perfect Picnic

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Picnic basketPicnics are great inexpensive ways to get out and enjoy nature, particularly at the lake, but there are preparations that must be made! From cleanup to non-perishable foods, there are some guidelines to help you along. Here are ways to ensure that your picnic will be perfect, no matter if it is for a family outing or for a romantic lunch for two.

Beverages and Foods

What is a picnic without foods and beverages? Here are tips to keep your picnic on point and to ensure its perfection.

Types of Foods

Picnic FoodIt is best to pack foods that do not have to be refrigerated. Foods that you can pack can include fruit, sandwiches, chips, and other items that do not require cold to be preserved.

However, if you are packing anything that includes dairy, ensure that you are packing it with ice.

Containers

Make sure that you are using re-sealable bags or containers with lids.  If you do not, then the food could spill inside the basket, which can cause an interruption in the picnic to clean up.

Containers with lids also provide an easy way to transport leftover food back home with you. There are also containers that you can use that will have a place for ice inside the same container in order to keep your foods fresh.

Drinks

Of course you will need to plan on having drinks for the picnic. It is best to bring a cooler stocked with bottled or canned drinks that do not require cups.

Adding in cups will require clean ice and cups. This will produce more waste and ultimately more items to carry. Bottled water, soda, or juice is best when planning the perfect picnic.

Condiments

There are foods that call for condiments. To help make your haul weigh less, you can pack mini bottles of mustard and ketchup, or use mini packets like you see at fast food restaurants. This will ensure that you are not lugging big bottles. Using packets will make clean up much less work as well.

Another idea is to take everyone’s order before you make the meal and apply the condiments to the sandwiches for each person as it is made.

Picnic Tableware

Eating on the grass or an old picnic table can take away from the perfection of your picnic. Here are ways to ensure a peaceful and clean environment to eat outside and enjoy your company.

Utensils

Although you will be using paper plates and cups, it is best to you reusable utensils. To keep clean up easy and fast, bring a freezer bag to place dirty utensils in after the picnic is over.

Napkins

Napkins are a must for personal clean up and messes. Make sure to pack enough per person and a handful for other uses.

Cleanup

Cleanup items are very important. You cannot just leave things behind. Here is a list of items you will need for your picnic.

  • Trash Bag
  • Moist Towlettes
  • Napkins
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Paper Towels

In order to have a perfect picnic, you will have to plan it out. Make sure that you have adequate amounts of food and other items. Make sure that you use a tote that will not fall apart and leave your picnic in the grass. Pack a blanket or a tablecloth and enjoy the day out at the lake!

Lake Living: Simple Picnic Recipes

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Picnics are wonderful when planned well; the selection of the food that you want to take will set the mood for the trip. Here are some ideas that will help you enjoy your outdoor meals. Try out these picnic recipes at the lake as the warm weather approaches!

At the Lake

PicnicThere is nothing better than a warm and sunny day at the lake with your friends and family. Your selection for food should be something that stays cool all day. You can have hot meals too, but it’s better to have some cold sandwiches just in case.

Let’s help you select the perfect lakeside meal.

The easiest way to plan a picnic is to utilize both sides and main dishes that are best served cold so that everything can be stored in a cooler. For side dishes and snacks, you may want to consider the following:

  • Watermelon (thin slices)
  • Sliced cucumbers or tomatoes
  • Oranges and Apples
  • A gallon of your favorite beverage

For the cold entree:

Spicy Cold Chicken Sandwich

Serves 4

Ingredients

Dice a 2 pounds of chicken and add two teaspoons of pepper and one tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, a generous amount of olive oil and mix together. Have bread, cheese, and mayo available to make 10 sandwiches.

Directions

  • Heat your oven to 400° F.
  • Put chicken in the oven and roast it for 45 minutes
  • Let the chicken cool
  • Pre-make sandwiches for the picnic

Finger Food Plate

Picnic foodIf you are more inclined to create a collection of snack foods for your picnic, you may want to try the following:

  • Oven Roasted Corn – Bake in the husk at 400 for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Great, even when chilled.
  • Create a spread of cheeses and match with crackers
  • Apples, pears, grapes, strawberries, blueberries and Kiwis
  • Lots of chocolates

Be Creative

Just about any meal you can imagine can be made into the perfect picnic, just prepare it in a way that can be kept cool for a few hours. With spring just around the corner, use these picnic recipes as jumping points for great meals on the go!