The style of the picnic has changed over time. The old time picnic that involves a lot of cooking in advanced is not so popular anymore, although it still occurs. The food is usually the center of the picnic, whether it is highly planned out for a long time, or just a spur of the moment decision. The food does not need to take up all the focus, as sometimes this actually cases picnic planners to dread the word entirely. It is easier to decide the type of picnic you are having, and then choose the food accordingly. This will make the planning and prep much easier.
Meals for picnics must be well planned out; otherwise, since they will be outside, they can have horrible results. Every pantry should have certain foods packed in convenient containers that can easily be added to the basket. These included canned meats, sandwich spread, pickles, jams, cookies, and crackers, along with other foods. When the picnic is a spur of the moment ordeal, consider out of the can type refreshments. If all of the food is prepared at home and then transported to the picnic location, you may need thermos bottles, paper containers, packages and preserves. Often the most remembered picnic is one where the food is cooked right on site!
Here are some good suggestions for the picnicker who likes to travel light!
- Wrap sandwiches in wax paper individually
- Carry cake or cookies in covered tins
- Wrapping hot foods in casserole wrapped in layers of newspaper keeps it warmer
- Carry your fresh vegetable sin Ziploc bags
- You can use dry ice packed around ice cream or frozen bars keeping them from melting longer
- Salads and fruit sauces should be carried in mason jars or vacuum jugs
- Eggs should be wrapped individually in napkins or paper, then packed into a cardboard box to keep them safe
- Measure out coffee and tie into muslin sack, and this is ready to just drop into your boiling water
- Carrying lemon juices and sugar already mixed makes it ready for lemonade
- Temper vacuum bags with hot or cold water depending on the food to keep food warm or cold.
- Small tin containers with tight covers are perfect for sugar, salt, and pepper
- Pack the heaviest items on the bottom, so lighter things will not get squashed