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Summer Picnic

© Ann Silberman

With the summer season here, it is time to surprise a loved one and host an impromptu picnic. Whether planning a romantic picnic for two, honoring a veteran for Memorial Day, or are going on a family outing with the children, you can still have a gourmet picnic with lots of tasty appetizers, with only a little planning and preparation.

A good appetizer picnic should consist of a variety of treats. They should be easy to eat, and of course, food safety is an important. Space to pack is an issue, so taking this into consideration, I have come up with the following menu and ideas for your picnic. There are some things to cook, and some treats found at your local grocery store that you can simply purchase, pack and go.

Before we go on with the menu, make sure you have all the essentials of a good picnic meal. Utensils are usually not forgotten, but a wine opener is. If you are bringing jarred goodies, make sure you are able to open them. A regular steak knife can come in handy, even if you think you won't need it. A blanket, sheet or tablecloth can make your experience more pleasant, even if there are picnic tables where you are going. Create a list of all you will need at the time you put together your menu, and it's much less likely you'll forget anything of importance.

Listed below is a sample menu, all easy to pack and prepare, safe to keep for several hours, with explanations of the items and recipes or links below. Don't forget the drinks. Ice tea and lemonade are always good on a picnic, and crisp white wine would also be great with this.

Hummus Dip with Pita bread, Brandied Gorgonzola Spread with apple, asparagus and celery.
Antipasti:
Marinated Artichoke Hearts
Balsamic Onion and Cheese Picks
Pickles and Olives
Broiled Chicken Wings
Pasta Salad with Peppers
Grapes
Cinnamon Pecans
Key Lime Cookies

You might also consider bringing a salami with you, if you have a meat lover, and some fresh French bread or a specialty bread such as foccacia which you can get in most grocery stores. Some fruit juices and oranges or apples for the kids are always a good idea. I sometimes make a gazpacho and pack it in a thermos for a cool refreshing soup.

Hummus Dips. You can purchase these ready-made, (http://www.traderjoes.com) or make them yourself, it's quite simple. Hummus has a rich, smooth taste and is keeps quite well. You can serve it with pita bread or crackers as a dip. Break the bread into dipping slices for you, and fill ahead with PB&J