There is just something about warm weather and picnics that brings out the child in me.
I want to spread a cloth on a velvety, green lawn, pour a glass of something pink and bubbly and watch the world go by.
When I was a child, my mother would pack up our picnic basket on hot summer evenings (we didn’t have air-conditioning) and we would go to the cemetery, of all places, for a picnic supper. This was in small-town, USA, and the cemeteries are relatively new, as compared to European cemeteries, with lots of lush green grass awaiting future occupants. Perfect for picnics.
I became a picnic addict.
When I was away in school, my first choice for summer dates was a picnic. In those days it usually involved hauling small barbecues, charcoal and food to cook. It was fun, and the guys got to play with fire, but for me it defeated the purpose of a picnic.
A proper picnic should have all the work done ahead of time so one can lounge about doing nothing but sipping and nibbling for the duration.
One of my fondest memories is a picnic for two we indulged in during the summer before we left the U.S. to move to this side of the pond. It was on the 4th of July, aka Independence Day, and the big summer holiday for the U.S.. Our neighbor was out of town and suggested we borrow his little 2-seater sports car for the day.
Good idea!
I found an old hamper tucked away that still had the picnic dishes, cutlery and cloth. We packed it full of fresh, bakery breads, stinky cheeses, paté, sausages, biscuits and wine. We left mid-morning, drove to a big park, found a private, shady spot by a stream and spent the entire day – nibbling, sipping, reading, napping, walking about…. It was a Perfect Picnic – not even mosquitoes bothered us!
On this side of the pond, the French are picnic experts.
All across the country, at 1:00pm, you will see cars pulling off to the side of the road. Small, folding tables and chairs are set up wherever space allows. The basket comes out, food is unpacked, wine opened and they sit, ignoring the traffic and the rest of the world while they enjoy their lunch.
For me. there are 2 things critical for a good picnic:
A picnic hamper like this one from Hampergifts with everything you need for the picnic neatly tucked inside:
And easy picnic food, some from the store (I did say easy) and some home-made (the day before, of course) like these Mushroom, Chard and Cheddar Bars.
This recipe has been updated, nutrition information added, and re-posted here: Mushroom, Chard and Cheese Bars.
And don’t forget the bubbly!
This post was written in association with Hampergifts.
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Great recipe, Katie! Picnics were a favorite pastime in my family. Haven’t had one in too long and your post has prompted me to remedy that. Happy 4th!
Flies and mozzies can ruin picnics in Australia sadly so I am not a fan – I like the idea but in reality here it can go belly up !
A picnic was one of the things I wanted to do in France, but there was so much going on that we never worked it in. I love your recipe and your part of the country. Wish we had been closer to where you live.
Christine, it’s been awhile for us, too – but that is changing!
Kate, we are so lucky – flies, yes but no mosquitoes! And the flies aren’t too bad in summer – they have other targets.
Penny, there’s always too much going on on holidays – and the weather was less than perfect.