Picnic lunch inspiration...go!
There’s nothing better than eating outdoors on a beautiful day, but sometimes landing on what to make for a picnic doesn’t come as naturally as the decision to host or attend one did. With this in mind, we know our community would love a little inspiration—share your fave ideas and go-to’s below!
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The former has peanuts and the latter does not.
Something else to consider would be how the items are transported. In the trunk of a car in a large ice chest? Or in backpacks while riding bicycles (or public transit)?
Another important factor is the audience. A Japanese "eki-ben" might be more welcomed by some than others, the latter who might be yearning for cold roast chicken and potato salad.
In that sense, a picnic is similar to any other menu plan: choose wisely based on who will be at the table.
A few related points.
If the occasion calls for it and budget allows, buy take out. I find this allows for luxury and/or trying new foods without stocking up on ingredients which - after tasting them - I may not regularly want to use.
For all, consider safety of ingredient selection (mayonnaise a well-known one to avoid) and duration of time food is outside of safety zones (deeply chilled, cooked recently and still hot).
For recipe ideas, also look to BBQ and camping lore (where you cook at the destination) and cuisines that feature room-temperature dishes (for foods cooked at home).
Also - sometimes get take out, for luxury and/or way to try new foods without investing in new or exotic ingredients you nay not use regularly.
For cooking at the picnic site, in addition to tailgates/BBQ, look at camping menus.
For bringing from home, think of foods already served at room temp in their usual formats...e.g, many Italian vegetable dishes.
Consider safety in prep (e.g., no mayo) and transport (duration of foods in transit if not chilled or heated).