The Art of the Picnic

Less is more when it comes to eating on the trail, or by the water.

By Tod Dimmick

I like to think that the urge to picnic is encoded in our DNA, right along with survival and propagation of the species. After all, a few millennia ago our ancestors didn’t have much choice about whether to eat outside. And now that we’re indoors more than out, and arguably more civilized, al fresco has a new role as antidote for a long winter indoors.

Although we might be limited by how much we can carry, with a little advance planning the potential is as vast as the blue sky overhead. Here are my top ground rules for a picnic on the go:

1. Prepare in advance: Advance prep & pack enables a magically fast meal on site.
2. Less is more: A simple meal is easy to carry.
3. Easy to eat: The place setting stays home.
4. Minimum mess: Trustees members know all about carry in/carry out!
5. Keep it light: So we’re satisfied but not stuffed as we continue the adventure.
6. Accoutrements: Water bottles, blanket, and even a book help make the scene complete.
7. The best ingredients make the best meal: Buy local and organic whenever possible – your local farmers market is your best bet.

Here are a few of my favorite picnic ideas…

For the Beach

Chicken Caesar Salad Pockets, Grapes,
Marinated Olives & Dark Chocolate
This lunch balances a hot, dry place with cool & juicy treats.
After an Italian-style picnic like this, Crane Beach might start to feel like the Italian Riviera.
Get the recipe (pdf)

For the Paddle

Caprese Sandwiches & “Paddle Mix” of Almonds, Peanuts, Dried Cherries, Apricots & Dark Chocolate
A small dry sack or soft cooler holds the fixings for these sandwiches and fits up front in the boat, next to the bug spray and your copy of Walden.
Get the recipe (pdf)

For the Back Yard

Grilled Spiced Chicken, Blueberry-Flax Cornbread & Salad of Romaine, Apple, Arugula & Toasted Almonds
When it comes to eating on the back deck, the sky is the limit. You can bring goodies right from the grill, and your cooler is as big as, well, your fridge.
Get the recipe (pdf)

For the Hike

Mini Cheese Platter & Crunchy Salad
It’s a neat trick to make a light lunch that is easy and elegant at the same time.
Get the recipe (pdf)

Published June 2012

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Submitted by Jaimye on: July 23, 2012

Thank you for the menu suggestions. My vacation begins today and I hope to take the ingredients for the caprese sandwich to Cranes Beach sometime this week with my daughter. I have beautiful basil growing in my garden. Care to join us?

Submitted by seagrl on: July 7, 2012

Chocolate melts, never ring it to a warm weather picnic!