Picnics are a great way to spend summer afternoons. And with all the healthy and delicious alternatives around, it’s easy to pack one that’s nutritious yet flavoursome and fun.
THE KIDS PICNIC
The perfect family outing involves great food and fun activities, so plan ahead for active things for the kids to do. Pack healthy snacks such as:
Free-range biltong.
o Sliced cheese and lean cold meats such as chicken, beef or turkey.
u Crisp breads or rice cakes topped with delicious goodies such as cottage cheese or tuna salad are a great alternative to sandwiches.
d Wraps make a filling yet light lunch — perfect for little fingers. “Fill them with cubed roast chicken and cream cheese with a dash of sweet chilli sauce or grated carrot, cucumber, cheese and pineapple,” says dietician Jane Badham. For a wheat-free alternative, use the same filling in rye bread or corn rolls.
o Water is essential. According to Sarah and Rupert McKerron in their book Savvy Kids Menus (Pantsula Press), research suggests the risk for becoming dehydrated is much higher in children than in adults. For a picnic treat, mix sparkling water with fruit juice and use plastic or paper cups to avoid broken glass. And of course, no picnic is complete without the sweet stuff. Serve watermelon slices and frozen yoghurt packaged in plastic tubs for dessert. You can buy the frozen yoghurt or make your own. And don’t forget the wet wipes for sticky fingers, as well as hats and sunblock.
THE ROMANTIC PICNIC
Find a place that’s sheltered from the wind yet has a lovely view. Set the scene with candles or lanterns, and your loved one will be eating out of the palm of your hand! For dinner include:
F Fresh, organic vegetables such as baby carrots, cucumber fingers, baby sweet corn, broccoli, cherry tomatoes and serve with dips such as guacamole, hummus or chopped tomato and gherkin in fat-free cottage cheese, suggests Badham. Grill the vegetables beforehand for something a little different.
n Cold meats with cheeses such as Camembert and Brie also work well as snacks. The cheese can also be eaten with fruit or crackers.
It’s always a good idea to stick to finger foods for romantic picnics; this way you can feed each other.
w For something more substantial, make a variety of wraps with cottage cheese and pineapple filling; and pita bread with stuffed with tuna salad, feta and avocado, or feta and carrot.
d A bottle of wine or bubbly makes it a special occasion, but remember to first check whether alcohol is allowed at your picnic spot of choice — and pack two of your prettiest glasses for the occasion.
e Round off your rendevous with some decadent dark chocolate-tipped strawberries.
PICNIC WITH FRIENDS
Taking a bunch of your friends for a picnic needn’t be a hassle. A location like the beach or a park where you can play team games like volleyball is perfect.
Some delicious lunch options:
f Take along some of your favourite grilled or raw vegetables, as well as a hummus or avocado dip for starters.
a Cook a big pot of mild lamb curry or a chunky vegetable curry on the morning of (or the day before) your picnic. Stock up on ready-made rotis and fry them beforehand. Fill each roti with a spoonful of curry, roll up and serve.
h Alternatively, cook a chicken and vegetable pasta dish and serve in recyclable Chinese take-away boxes to make cleaning up a breeze. (Don’t forget the black bags for any refuse.)
o Finish off with fresh fruit kebabs for a stylish summery dessert.
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