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Picnics
What are you doing for dinner?
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Outdoor Adventure Canada
 I
love sultry summer days because they remind me of my childhood
and the great picnics we used to go on. Picnics are as varied
as the people who go on them. There are the romantic picnics in
a park, the family excursions to the beach, a picnic in the middle
of a day hike and the after-work picnic.
For a romantic picnic
in the park, start with a traditional wicker picnic basket and
a beautiful table cloth. Choose foods such as patés, crackers,
French bread, cheeses, fresh fruits, and maybe even a chocolate
fondue. You can find candle powered fondue pots made just for
chocolate in many department and gourmet stores. Include a nice
bottle of sparkling grape juice or wine and a beautiful candle.
For the beach picnic
be sure to bring lots of drinks and be prepared for the sun. You
might want to look for a spot that is sheltered from the wind
and has a picnic table. Most people bring a cooler and BBQ for
these type of picnics. Our family and friends always bring lots
of salads and other things to munch on. It is a fun way for people
to connect and spend quality time together.
A picnic during a day
hike is always a treat. Use an insulated knapsack or a cooler
bag to house pre-cut ingredients for wraps or sandwiches. I often
use leftover grilled vegetables or meats for added flavour. Some
times I make the sandwiches ahead and wrap them in plastic wrap.
Bring lots of water and a water filter especially on hot days.
Find a nice spot that provides some shade and enjoy the scenery
around you.
 One
of my favourite types of picnics it the impromptu after-work picnic.
This started a few years ago when my friend Sandi called at lunch
and suggested I grab some fruit and a few pre-made salads on the
way home from work and she would make the sandwiches and bring
the drinks. Then our family was to meet her family at the local
lake. It was an extremely hot day and there was a nice breeze.
We ate while the dogs swam in the lake and then enjoyed the sunset.
Doing this on the spur of the moment is fun and reduces the stress
of the workday. It is now something we do quite often.
Sometimes we will combine
a picnic with another activity like a trip to an outdoor event,
a wildlife reserve or an outdoor concert at a local park. Sometimes
we just get in the Jeep and drive on the back roads until we find
a great spot to have our picnic. We've even had picnics where
we sat in the car and watched thunderstorms roll in over the bay.
No matter where or
how you picnic, it is good planning that makes it a success even
on last minute excursions. I have several picnic baskets and a
picnic knapsack. I always keep them stocked with a tablecloth,
cutlery, Lexan glasses, a cutting board and plates so that I am
ready on a whim. Even if it is a spur of the moment idea you need
to be sure that you have ice and a cooler or cooler bag to keep
foods cool. If you plan to BBQ be sure you have enough fuel and
everything you need as far as utensils go. I also keep a set of
picnic sized condiments in the fridge ready top pop into the cooler
and a set of spices is always kept in the picnic basket. I also
bring a little bag with first aid items; sunscreen and bug spray.
So what are you doing
after work tomorrow… or on Sunday afternoon? Check the weather
forecast and go.
For more articles
please view the archives or visit www.wildernesscooking.com.
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