Pack a Picnic and Go Al Fresco

By Gina Batmunkh 2021-05-06 12:21:10

Foods and treats you can’t miss when you have picnic.

I'm so ready to go for a picnic with my family and our dog. Whether my kid is playing outside, going on a bike ride, or just laying on a blanket, it feels good to be out in the fresh air and sunshine. We like to make the most out of the pleasant weather before it turns scorching hot. Picnicking is a wonderful way to spend time with your loved ones, and of course it must come with great food and treats. Ideal picnic treats are ones that can be easily packed, eaten, and can be consumed at room temperature. These dishes are on my family’s list of favourites, and I hope you can enjoy and get some inspiration for your next outing.

 

Mason Jar Salad

Mason Jars are super practical, versatile and convenient. With Mason jar salads come so many possibilities. All you have to know is how to pack strategically and tightly which keeps things fresh. On top of that it allows you to prepare in advance. If you pack it wrong, you will have a soggy salad which we all don’t want. Here are the steps to follow when you assemble your salad:

1. Always start with the dressing. Rule number one, when you layer salad in a jar, start with the wet ingredients. You can use your homemade dressing or store bought. No one is going to judge here. Regardless, it’s going to be delicious.

2. Secondly, place ingredients that are fine to get wet. Those are vegetables like cucumber, red onion, celery, carrots, chickpeas. And these vegetables aren’t afraid to sit in the wetness for a couple of days.

3. Next comes vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, cauliflower.

4. Use this layer for the grains (quinoa, brown rice), and potatoes to make the salad filling.

5. This is the step you should put leafy greens because no one wants to have a soggy salad at the end of the day. So that is why you have to make sure to put enough ingredients between the dressing and lettuce.

6.Last but not least, you may top it off with some of your favourite nuts and seeds.

 

Assorted Platter

Snack boards are a fun way to feed everyone during a party but also at a picnic. It can be easily made and almost requires no cooking. Plus, it offers a variety for the crowd. The board can be made with ingredients that are found in your pantry and fridge. Additionally, it provides variety and healthy options for everyone. You can add fancier meats and cheeses for adults, but it is also essential to put some crackers and fruits too, so the kids feel included and they can have something they like. When you lay your spread you can never have too much. Load it up. It will not only look beautiful but also people can enjoy eating as much as they like. Oh yes, do not forget to bring along a baguette to pair with cheese.

Matcha White Chocolate Cookies

Did someone say chocolate chip cookies? I need cookies in my life. Dramatic as it sounds, it’s true! Especially when you put browned butter instead of room temperature butter. It’s a game changer. Since I discovered it, I can’t bake my cookies without brown butter. The cookies are soft and gooey in the centre. One of my favourite cookies to make is matcha white chocolate chip cookies. I’m a big fan of matcha green tea, and if you are, this cookie is for you. This is a perfect green treat for you and your family any time of the year. And let me tell you, after trying this cookie, your love affair with matcha will never end. You can prepare the cookie dough in advance, and it is freezer friendly.

113 grams unsalted butter 105 grams of white sugar 1egg
1 teaspoon vanilla

114 grams all-purpose flour
13 grams matcha powder
Half a teaspoon of baking soda

Half a teaspoon of sea salt

White chocolate chips

  1. To start off, let’s brown the butter. In a saucepan, put the butter on medium heat and bring it to simmer, stirring constantly until a foamy, deep honey colour emerges. We don’t want to burn it, just need to brown it. Cool the butter completely. It will take about an hour. To make the process faster, place it in the fridge.

  2. Cream together browned butter, sugar, egg and vanilla extract, and put it aside.

  3. Combine all the dry ingredients.

  4. Gently fold in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, making sure not to overmix.

  5. Final step, fold in the white chocolate chips.

  6. On a baking tray, scoop your dough onto your tray, and gently push a few extra chocolate chips on top of each cookie, if you like. The batter makes six cookies with a diameter of 9 cm.

  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool for 15 to 30 minutes on a cooling rack.

Bon appétit and have a fabulous spring picnic!

 

 

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