Take a Break: Picnic

Today it’s all about the art of picnicking.

This tradition seems to have come from Europe during the medieval times where there were hunting feasts and all sorts of outdoor “foodie” events. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (2nd edition, volume XI, p. 779) A picnic originally means “a fashionable social entertainment in which each person present contributed a share of the provisions; now, a pleasure party including an excursion to some spot in the country where all partake of a repast out of doors: the participants may bring with them individually the viands and means of entertainment, or the whole may be provided by someone who "gives the picnic".

There are lots of ways to picnic, including your living room if need be. Step one, after you’ve decided on who you want to share this with, is pick a location that you’ll enjoy. It could be a beach, wooded area, area park, stream, a park bench in the city or even your backyard or balcony.

Step two-plan the food. The simpler the better. If you are going to use mayonnaise, or something else that spoils easily, make sure to have a way to keep it very cold. You can purchase cooler bags in the freezer section of your store. The night before, take a container, fill with water and place in your freezer. The next morning it should be ready to slip into your cooler.
Since I have several friends that swear by the Barefoot Contessa and Giada, here are some of their recipes and menus for picnics:

Beach Volleyball Picnic
Picnic at the Pond
Picnic at Work
Picnic in the Park

Step three is the drinks. While a bottled of wine chilled with real wine glasses sparks up an event, it maybe easier to bring cans of your favorite drink or ice water in stainless steel water bottles.

Step four-packing. Some people have picnic baskets, but canvas bags work just as well. The main objective is to keep the items that need to be chilled cold and to keep the rest of the food from getting soggy. Layering food and double wrapping sandwiches works well. One friend brings all the fixings for a picnic separately and makes the sandwiches once they arrive. That way, no soggy bread.

If you’re having a total “Martha Moment,” you can always try her Origami Picnic Basket made from the tablecloth you will be using.

There are a variety of crafty items you can make for your picnic at Martha Stewart Living. If Fido is your date for the picnic, check out these directions for making portable dog bowls.

Step five-enjoy your picnic!