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Written by Holly Bea
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Thursday, 31 May 2007 |
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If the last time you went on a picnic was when you were 10 years old, it’s time to rediscover how fun and relaxing they are.
Whether you load up your backpack and head to Rocky Mountain National Park for a picnic by Fern Lake, or simply head to a neighborhood city park, make sure you make time for at least one picnic this summer. Just block out a few hours to eat, relax and soak up the Colorado sunshine — picnics shouldn’t be another “fast food” experience.
WHAT TO PACK
OK, so you don’t need a basket. But they’re kind of nice to have and really not that expensive. You can find them at Linens and Things, department stores, Target and other discount stores. They usually come stocked with plates, utensils and the basics. But for Colorado picnics, I load up a backpack for an informal outing.
PLAIN OR FANCY
A picnic can be as formal or casual as you want it to be. I’ve seen some folks bring linen tablecloths, silver candelabra and china for a picnic at an outdoor concert. As lovely as that can be under the moonlight, it’s a lot of work and cleanup. I tend to go for disposable everything, on top of a comfy groundcover.
PICNIC CUISINE
Again, it can be plain or fancy. You can grab Subway sandwiches to go, or hit Whole Foods and pick up an array of custom sandwiches and salads. Or, you can create some picnic magic in your own kitchen. Here are a few easy recipes that will make your picnic memorable.
RECIPES
Peanut Butter and Banana Roll-ups
This is a new twist to a traditional favorite — and takes about three minutes to make!
Whole wheat tortillas
Peanut butter
Whole ripe bananas
Optional: dried cranberries
Spread peanut butter on the whole wheat tortilla, but not all the way to the edge of the tortilla. Place a whole banana in the tortilla and roll it up. Add cranberries for a little extra flavor and fun.
Smoked Turkey and Blue Cheese Sandwiches
Whole Foods was happy to share this out-of-the-ordinary sandwich recipe with us. This recipe makes two sandwiches.
4 slices sourdough or country bread, grilled or toaste.d
6-8 oz. Smoked turkey, thinly sliced
1 Belgian endive, separated into leaves
Organic baby romaine lettuce
Toast or grill the bread. While still warm, spread with blue cheese, layer on remaining ingredients.
Forget Wimpy Lettuce
If you’re making your favorite sandwich, don’t put on the lettuce! Place the lettuce leaves in a separate plastic bag and add to the sandwich when you’re ready to eat it!
Simple Pasta Salad
The great thing about this salad is you can substitute your favorite ingredients in it. It’s easy and colorful and a recipe I’ve been using for more than 20 years.
Tri-colored rotini noodles, cooked and drained
1 bottle of capers, drained
1 can pitted black olives, quartered
1/2 cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese
One zucchini cut lengthwise and then sliced
1 yellow squash, cut lengthwise and then sliced
1 lb. Medium to large boiled shrimp, tailed removed.
1 bottle Zesty Italian dressing
Note: Sometimes I substitute dry salami for the shrimp. I cut the sliced salami into pie shapes (about 6 pieces per slice.) I’ve also used artificial crab meat.
Mix all the ingredients. Keep refrigerated or in cooler until your hike begins! You can take this in an airtight cooler, or place individual servings in ziplock baggies. I just double the baggies to prevent leaking.
1-2-3 Trail Mix
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup dried banana chips
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1 cup unsalted dry roasted peanuts
1 cup dried fruit bits
Place all of the ingredients into a plastic baggie, seal, and then shake. Fast, easy and yummy!
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Picnic Check List
- Blanket or ground cover
- Food, stored in Ziploc bags or disposable plastic-ware
- Napkins
- Plastic Utensils
- Bottled water or beverages
- Bug spray
- First-aid kit
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