The Perfect Picnic

By Bonnie Schultz, RD

Moving a meal outside makes a difference. What does the “perfect picnic” mean to you? Who would you take along? What would you pack?

Picnics can be more affordable using foods already on hand. Sandwiches are my go-to, especially ones such as peanut butter and jelly that stay fresh at room temperature, so there’s no need for a cooler to keep cold foods safe. Some yummy choices already come in nature’s perfect packaging. Perfectly packaged picnic pleasers might include hardboiled eggs, washed fruit, and veggies ready to break into pieces (peppers, cucumber, zucchini, broccoli, carrots, green beans, sugar snap peas.) All these colorful, crunchy options might be enhanced by protein-packed bean-salsa dip (see recipe below) or a tangy hummus.

When’s the best time to eat in the great outdoors?

Breakfast

Morning dew may be drying on the grass so picnic tables could be a great spot to sip and munch. Places such as libraries often have outdoor space to rest. What a way to start your library day!

Snack spots on the go

Keeping some whole grain, lower sugar cereal on hand means a crunchy snack is always available. For older children, when choking is less of a risk, dried fruit and nuts keep well and provide nutrient-rich fuel. If we’re in the car, I like to stop, get out the snacks, take a break, and chat. It feels so good to connect with each other versus mindlessly munching. Stopping eliminates the chance of unexpected braking and choking in the car. If it’s a safe area, we also feel better after moving a bit. Everyone’s mood seems to lift after a snack stop and a chance to stretch.

Main meals

Lunch or dinner away from the usual spots in the house seem to shout, socialize! A change of scenery usually leads to spending quality moments together. Mindfully taking in the sights, sounds, smells, and feel of the outdoors releases stress for many people. Away from our usual distractions, picnic places often inspire outdoor games, creatively using whatever materials are available.

Indoors

Why go anywhere? Sometimes a change of routine fuels the imagination. Maybe a book inspired the idea of an impromptu picnic. Is the floor newly washed, and clean enough to eat off? I would still spread a cloth to define the space, and together we could create a picnic experience inside. What memories would you and your picnic partners form from such a home-based adventure?

From living a half-century, I’ve discovered the perfect picnic is the picnic that happens. When things go wrong with the “perfect” picnic, we may grumble, perhaps suffer with gritty sand and ants. In my experience when we share troubles and keep our good humor, people bond more tightly together. Maybe it turns out to be joyous fun, perhaps calm relaxation, or reflective time. Chances are how we feel after sharing an outside meal will stay with us for a long while.

Picnic tickler – What would you include in your picnic-ready kit?

  • Hand-sanitizer

  • Sunscreen

  • Water

  • Plates/food containers, forks, knives, spoons, cups, napkins/towels

  • Container for trash

  • Blanket/towel/cloth

  • Toys, soft flexible Frisbee, balls

  • Other _____________________

Black bean corn salsa

  • 1 can black beans, 15 oz

  • 1 can corn, 15 oz

  • 1 cup salsa

  • 1-2 cucumber(s) cut into slices to dip or tortilla chips

Drain and rinse black beans, drain corn, and combine with salsa. Consider fresh add-ins such as ½ cup onion, 1 cup fresh diced tomato, 1-2 tablespoons lime juice, ¼ cup chopped cilantro, ½ cup shredded cheddar, or crumbled feta.

Mix and serve with tortillas or on cucumber slices. I like to call them cucumber “chips” because of their crunch and shape. Enjoy!

Find this article and more in Home & Classroom Vol. 09/Family

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