Dreaming of Summer Picnics

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 01:46:38 GMT

Are You Dreaming of Summer Picnics?

As I sit here in the snowy cold Alberta I am dreaming of the spring and summer. We have beautiful weather in the “warm seasons”. Sometimes winters can be nice too. We love to be outside. Nothing finer than taking the horses out on a nice prairie or mountain trail, pack along a picnic, stoping beside the creek and enjoy some great food.

With the correct “carrier” you can take along food that is delicious, nutritious and fun. Most picnic baskets have insulated areas that will keep your food warm or cold. Along with the food you will need plates and cutlery. Spread a blanket on the ground, put out a cloth and pour yourself a glass of bubbly apple cider.

When you are on horseback you can use a picnic backpack. A light weight durable pack will carry what you need for that perfect day on the trail. If you are in a wagon or carriage, a beautiful old fashioned wicker picnic basket will enhance your journey. The variety of carriers for you food is endless.

Sandwiches are usually the first choice to take along. But they can be boring, so spice them up a bit! Instead of ordinary white bread, use a variety of multigrain breads. Use mustard instead of mayo, for a delicious taste as well as a way to cut down on the fats in your sandwich. Use fresh wraps and fill them with veggies such as green peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes, along with some spinach instead of lettuce. Bagels with cream cheese are always a hit and very filling.

Potato salads are a staple, but again switch it up! Remember macaroni salads and jello salads? There is a bit of danger is taking salads with mayo or eggs, and we all know what happens to jello is warm weather!

Well, you can make salads from many types of grains. One suggestion that would “pack” well is Cranberry Quinoa Salad:

5 Ingredients Needed:

Make ahead-cooked quinoa – 2 cups, dried, sweetened cranberries – 1/3 cup, celery - 1 cup thinly sliced, walnuts pieces – 1/4 cup, bottled olive oil vinaigrette – 1/3 cup (or to taste)
In a mixing bowl, combine all the salad ingredients and toss well, adjusting the dressing to taste.

Always be sure to include some veggies and fruits. Make sure your fruit will endure the bumping along as you carry the basket. Or put them in a solid container. Apples, celery, carrots or a whole pineapple will travel well. Use of plastic containers will keep your banana or pears “bruise”free.

As you dream of summer weather and picnics, get ready now. Get your picnic basket ordered so it will be all ready for you WHEN the nice weather arrives. And meantime, enjoy the snow!!

Picnic, basket, picnic baskets, food, family, fun,

No More Picnics??

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 01:43:58 GMT

No more picnics!

Is picnic season over? What about some of these beautiful fall days when the sun is shining and the leaves are turning? Picnics are for getting out in the outdoors, relaxing, reducing stress in our life. We can do this in the fall; we can do it in the winter.

I remember a number of years ago when the kids were young what a great day we had in January – yes – you heard me right January. The sun was shining on the fresh fallen snow; it was a warm winter day, warm being above zero Fahrenheit, we spent a few hours out in one of our local parks where there was a fire pit. We packed some hot dogs and hamburgers and all the trimmings in our – well I have to admit we did not have a picnic basket. Now that we know better and we want to let you know there are some great baskets to choose from that would have made our picnic so much more organized and easier. What a great day it was – great memories were had by all.

It is amazing to me as I browse thru www.thebasketmart.com how many picnic baskets we have that would have made our day so much more fun. Picnic basket backpacks insulated yet, wow. BBQ picnic baskets – aluminum framed picnic cooler basket with BBQ set. Or the The Classique Carrier Picnic Basket with three BBQ tools and service for four with large insulated food compartment that would have been awesome for our winter picnic. One of the picnic baskets has a take along grill for your picnics. Handy and easy to carry.

Picnic baskets include plates, cups or glasses along with cutlery and often napkins and tablecloths. Most have insulated food storage areas, where your food will be kept safe, either hot or cold. Be sure to take along some "wet ones" or other types of towels to wash your face and hands. Especially if you have children around, you will need to clean them up. At least with our children, they need cleaning up.

You can prepare your own food at home to pack in your basket. Create some fun salad rolls, made with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, shrimp and wrapped in a rice paper wrapping. Or mix up a great tuna salad filling and put in a hoagie roll.