pack The Perfect Picnic The Easy Way

The perfect picnic is designed to put everybody in a good mood. Since the idea behind a picnic is to prepare the food as much as possible at home - special attention has to paid to ensure a safe arrival at the destination. Whether it is a beach, a grassy knoll overlooking a trickling brook, or a designated picnic area.

Before you pack your cooler, take a stroll through your garden. There are a number of things growing there that will make your picnic a huge success. One of the first things you should pack is a few sprigs of mint. One way to keep the bees away is to put them in the center of your blanket. Take a few extra sprigs to enhance the flavor of the lemonade. A tray of oregano, basil and chives allows guests to take a piece of whatever they choose to add to other greens.

For a beautiful centerpiece, scoop the center out of a head of cabbage to make a bowl. Set it in the center of a colorful tray and place carrot sticks, celery, green peppers, broccoli and cauliflower around it. Use the cabbage as a "bowl" for your spinach dip"cabbage bowl" with spinach dip. This adds color and a touch of class to your picnic.

Plant pansies or petunias in mugs for each of your guests. These can be set beside each plate. When your guests leave, they can take them home, transplant the flowers and keep the mug as a memento of the great day you spent together.

If your picnic is going to take place in the evening, add a citronella candle to your box of supplies. This adds a nostalgic atmosphere and keeps pesky bugs away.

You can choose to prepare all of your food beforehand, taking only things that are ready to serve, or you can take a few prepared foods and cook the rest on the barbecue or grill.

Be sure to add cups, plates, serving utensils, a serrated knife, cutting board, napkins, flatware, salt and pepper and trash bags to you picnic basket. You will also need a cotton tablecloth, quilt, blanket or large beach towels.

Add items to your basket for special picnics. For example, a romantic picnic is more of a hit with crystal wine glasses and fine china. On the other hand, a family picnic will be more successful if you add a pair of binoculars, a kite and a Frisbee to your basket. Suncreen and insect repellent are one of your more important items here.

Ants clouds and bees are not the only threat to an enjoyable day. Always keep foods in the refrigerator until you are ready to pack your basket. Add a bag of ice or ice packs to

keep food cool. Cold foods should be kept at a cool 40 degrees. Never pack your cooler too full. Be sure there is room for air circulation. Hot foods should be kept at 140 degrees or above. This avoids turning your picnic into a salmonella delight.

To avoid food contamination make sure the juices are kept in an airtight container. Wash hands, surfaces and utensils before and after handling uncooked meats.

Raw and perishable foods contain bacteria or parasites. When these foods are served undercooked or are prepared, handled or refrigerated improperly, dangerous toxins develop. This can cause guests to become ill from food poisoning, which causes flu-like symptoms.

If salads cannot be kept cold, use vinegar-based salad dressing, not mayonnaise based. Mayonnaise can cause food poisoning if not kept at 40 degrees or cooler.

Wash all produce with cold water before cooking and eating. Cold water kills bacteria and removes toxins such as pesticide sprays.

Always marinate meats in the refrigerator. Boil marinade for a full ten minutes before pouring over cooked foods.

If you follow the tips in this article, you will have an enjoyable day in the great outdoors. Your food will be fresh and you will keep microscopic guests away.

Remember, there is no need to cook elaborate foods for a picnic. The simplest recipes are mouth watering good when eaten under nature's canopy. Enjoy!

Comments? Questions? Email Here

© HowtoAdvice.com

How to Advice .com