I do like eating outside

KatieBeez — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 07:39:21 -0500

Nice links, I have already eyed that upside down cake in my feeds, looks gooey yummy.

As to whether men generally enjoy outside food? I know from my own experiences that the men in my life (boyfriend, father, uncles) love, love, LOVE to grill/bar-b-que.

Summer Picnics: The Inspiration, The Checklist, The Recipes

Alanna Kellogg — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 06:25:46 -0500

The picnic gene, it's clearly in the X chromosome because we women, we loooove to eat outside, and those men, well, not so much. Give us a sunny patio, a rooftop view, a shady spot beneath a tree, any day, any evening, we're in the mood for an outdoor experience.

"This is what I wish for you this summer. That you might find a free afternoon in the midst of your busy life and a small patch of grass—be it a backyard, a park, or a friend’s garden. I hope that you can lay out your blanket, listen to the sound the wind makes as it ruffles the leaves of the trees, and watch a few lacy clouds slowly float across a blue sky. And I wish that you might be happy." ~ Tea & Cookies, read about her summer day

(Men! Are you wooing a woman? Work your X connection, invite her on a picnic.)

So let's plan a picnic some time real soon, yes? Here's a quick picnic checklist. (Are you the ultra-organized sort? If you haven't already, put your own checklist right inside your picnic basket or backpack. That way, there's no forgetting.)

Plates, cutlery, serving utensils. Many are eco-eschewing paper and plastic; me, I think if ever there's a time for disposable, this is it. Baking Bites is high on biodegradable picnicware.
Slip some damp paper towels into a plastic bag, for sticky fingers, you know.
A bottle of wine with a screwtop, that way, who cares if you forget the corkscrew?
Two garbage bags, one to dispose of on the spot, another to carry home sticky plates, cutlery, serving bowls.
If picnicking a la table, bring along a table cover. An old flat sheet works beautifully, it's light to carry and easy to wash afterward.
Sunscreen, mosquito dope.
Staying on after dark? Bring a small candle and matches, citronella will help deter mosquitoes.
It never hurts to keep a nearly-gone roll of toilet paper and a few wet wipes in a picnic basket. You never know!
A diversion, a surprise, something to do and laugh about, to enjoy together. A frisbee? A notebook to share "three reasons I love you today"? A pillow for a nap?

But wait! What about the food?! Here are some ideas from food bloggers. Make sure it's easy to make, easy to transport intact (no or little assembly upon arrival) and tastes great.

Picnic Sandwiches

Our Kitchen Sink ~ Roasted Vegetable & Goat Cheese Sandwich (pictured above)
The Culinary Chase ~ The Best Picnic Sandwich
One Hot Stove ~ Eggplant Caponata Sandwich

Picnic Salads

Tea & Cookies ~ Red Lentil Salad (pictured above)
Kath Eats Real Food ~ Greek Quinoa Salad
Cook Craft Enjoy ~ Bean & Tomato Salad with Honey Vinaigrette

Picnic Cakes

Simply Recipes ~ Plum Upside Down Cake (pictured above)
101 Cookbooks ~ Chocolate Pistachio Cake
Farmgirl Fare ~ Apple Blueberry Crumble Bars

Can't manage your own picnic any time soon? Then take a picnic-via-pixels at La Tartine Gourmande, perhaps to visit the Italian countryside, a cycling picnic, a picnic on a beach or even winter picnic.

BlogHer food editor Alanna Kellogg is carrying Parmesan chicken on a picnic this weekend.

BlogHer - Summer Picnics: The Inspiration, The Checklist, The Recipes - Comments

I do like eating outside

Summer Picnics: The Inspiration, The Checklist, The Recipes