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If you are looking for a unique and fun way to kick off the summer with your kids, then try spreading a blanket and having a good old fashioned picnic. Warm weather brings outdoor concerts, firework shows, and trips to the beach –- all perfect venues for packing up and heading to the great outdoors for a meal. But you can even tote a picnic basket to a nice spot in your backyard; it’s still lots of fun!
My family had just this idea last weekend. We spent a little time putting together a simple lunch, and strolled to our favorite spot out back. The sky was sunny and blue when we stepped outside but we forgot one thing: to check the weather forecast. We didn’t look behind us to see the menacing looking clouds looming in the horizon.
As we started dining on our freshly packed treats, the gentle spring breeze picked up and raindrops began to pour down from the sky. With this unexpected rain-out we gathered everything up and quickly ran inside to enjoy the rest of our picnic under cover. Even if you get rained out like my family did, spread your blanket on the family room rug -- the food will taste just as good in a new spot!
Picnic favorites include sandwiches, veggies and dip, deviled eggs, and fresh fruit; and of course yummy sweet treats like brownies, cupcakes, and chocolate dipped strawberries. Basically anything that is portable is perfect to put in the picnic basket. Better yet, all of the above foods avoid the need for utensils, eliminating an additional step. Your kids will love to help with the preparation of simple picnic fare. Kids can help wash veggies, such as cherry tomatoes, carrots and celery and adults can cut them up for dipping. Kids can also help wrap up your goodies and assemble the basket.
Even if you don’t have a special basket complete with plates, cutlery and wine goblets, you can still make your own handy picnic kit with durable, lightweight plates and cups, and a basket or canvas tote. You can go as elegant or simple as you like with it, but your kids will surely appreciate the addition of colorful and festive disposable paper or reusable plastic goods.
Eating outside enhances the flavor of food, but you do have to pay attention to special food safety precautions. The heat of summer can cause food spoilage if items are not properly stored. For that reason, you will want to pack perishable items in a cooler along with some frozen water bottles or ice packs if your picnic plans take you far away. Always keep the cooler in an air-conditioned car or shaded area if possible. Once at the picnic site, keep fresh foods out for less than an hour on a hot day. If it’s a cooler day or an evening picnic, you can keep foods out for up to two hours.
Also, instead of spreading mayonnaise on your sandwiches, try a mix of cream cheese and apricot preserves. It keeps better than mayo and tastes great. For pasta or potato salad, try using an olive oil based dressing rather than a creamy one. Lastly you might want to pack some moist towels or wipes so everyone can clean up before heading home.
A fresh air feast is a great way to celebrate the end of the school year! Just be sure to check with the local weatherperson first!
©2026 CDKitchen, Inc. No reproduction or distribution of any portion of this article is allowed without express permission from CDKitchen, Inc.
To share this article with others, you may link to this page:
https://www.cdkitchen.com/cooking-experts/pamela-chester/1156-perfect-picnic/
A Perfect Picnic
If you are looking for a unique and fun way to kick off the summer with your kids, then try spreading a blanket and having a good old fashioned picnic. Warm weather brings outdoor concerts, firework shows, and trips to the beach –- all perfect venues for packing up and heading to the great outdoors for a meal. But you can even tote a picnic basket to a nice spot in your backyard; it’s still lots of fun!
My family had just this idea last weekend. We spent a little time putting together a simple lunch, and strolled to our favorite spot out back. The sky was sunny and blue when we stepped outside but we forgot one thing: to check the weather forecast. We didn’t look behind us to see the menacing looking clouds looming in the horizon.
As we started dining on our freshly packed treats, the gentle spring breeze picked up and raindrops began to pour down from the sky. With this unexpected rain-out we gathered everything up and quickly ran inside to enjoy the rest of our picnic under cover. Even if you get rained out like my family did, spread your blanket on the family room rug -- the food will taste just as good in a new spot!
Picnic favorites include sandwiches, veggies and dip, deviled eggs, and fresh fruit; and of course yummy sweet treats like brownies, cupcakes, and chocolate dipped strawberries. Basically anything that is portable is perfect to put in the picnic basket. Better yet, all of the above foods avoid the need for utensils, eliminating an additional step. Your kids will love to help with the preparation of simple picnic fare. Kids can help wash veggies, such as cherry tomatoes, carrots and celery and adults can cut them up for dipping. Kids can also help wrap up your goodies and assemble the basket.
Even if you don’t have a special basket complete with plates, cutlery and wine goblets, you can still make your own handy picnic kit with durable, lightweight plates and cups, and a basket or canvas tote. You can go as elegant or simple as you like with it, but your kids will surely appreciate the addition of colorful and festive disposable paper or reusable plastic goods.
Eating outside enhances the flavor of food, but you do have to pay attention to special food safety precautions. The heat of summer can cause food spoilage if items are not properly stored. For that reason, you will want to pack perishable items in a cooler along with some frozen water bottles or ice packs if your picnic plans take you far away. Always keep the cooler in an air-conditioned car or shaded area if possible. Once at the picnic site, keep fresh foods out for less than an hour on a hot day. If it’s a cooler day or an evening picnic, you can keep foods out for up to two hours.
Also, instead of spreading mayonnaise on your sandwiches, try a mix of cream cheese and apricot preserves. It keeps better than mayo and tastes great. For pasta or potato salad, try using an olive oil based dressing rather than a creamy one. Lastly you might want to pack some moist towels or wipes so everyone can clean up before heading home.
A fresh air feast is a great way to celebrate the end of the school year! Just be sure to check with the local weatherperson first!
Ham Apricot Sandwiches
Made with pickles, apricot preserves, cream cheese, baguette, ham, Swiss, Brie or Fontina cheese
Made with pickles, apricot preserves, cream cheese, baguette, ham, Swiss, Brie or Fontina cheese
Serves/Makes: 4
- 4 tablespoons apricot preserves
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 baguette, halved horizontally and quartered crosswise
- 12 slices ham
- 4 slices Swiss, Brie or Fontina cheese
- sliced pickles, for serving (optional)
Mix cream cheese with apricot preserves and spread on each side of baguette.
Divide ham and cheese among bottom halves of bread. Sandwich with top halves.
Grill on a panini press, if desired. Serve with pickles.
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©2026 CDKitchen, Inc. No reproduction or distribution of any portion of this article is allowed without express permission from CDKitchen, Inc.
To share this article with others, you may link to this page:
https://www.cdkitchen.com/cooking-experts/pamela-chester/1156-perfect-picnic/