How to Plan the Food for a Family Picnic

Take a picnic to the park.

Eating outside seems to make food taste better whether it's a picnic at a concert, the lake, in the mountains or at the beach. Arrange for fun picnic food; either make or pick up finger foods or main dishes that might not be on the menu at home. Planning the food for a family picnic is as simple as planning a lunch or dinner for a specific number of people at home, with the added responsibility of transporting the food and making sure it's kept cold.

Things You'll Need

• Cooler
• Ice
• Serving spoons
• Paper plates
• Paper cups
• Plastic utensils
• Napkins
• Tablecloth

Instructions

1. 

   Salsa and chips

   Appetizers get a picnic off to a good start. Choose salsa and tortilla chips for ease and convenience. Salsa from the grocery shelf does not need refrigeration before it's opened. If picnic goers prefer more hearty appetizers, take the time to make deviled eggs. They will need to be kept in the cooler. Make sure the cooler is kept inside the car on the way to the picnic, not in the trunk where it might get too hot.

2. 

   Consider fried chicken.

   For a main dish, cooks can prepare sandwiches, fried chicken or a salad entree for a picnic. For ease, make these entrees at home and keep them in the cooler until ready to serve. Main dish salad choices include chicken Caesar, grilled shrimp or Cobb salad. For side dishes consider roasted corn on the cob, baked beans or a crowd-pleasing salad such as potato or macaroni.

3. 

   Fun cupcakes for dessert.

   Dig into decadent desserts for the picnic finale. Whether store bought or homemade, consider cupcakes decorated with a summer theme, lemon bars, frosted cookies or a fruit pie. Sliced, seasonal fruit such as watermelon, peaches or strawberries also make great desserts.

4. 

   Refreshing iced tea

   Make a special picnic punch, again using seasonal fruit for garnishment or as a main ingredient. Other picnic favorites include homemade fruity ice tea or lemonade. Freeze water bottles ahead of time and take them on the picnic for cold drinking water. If adults in the party plan to enjoy a glass of wine, remember to pack a corkscrew.

5. 

   Don't eat deviled eggs that sit out for more than an hour.

   Be safe. Plan to throw away any food that needs refrigeration and has been sitting out for more than an hour at the picnic.

References

• The New York Times: Study finds that mayonnaise can inhibit spoilage of food