Tips, How-To`s and Must-Have Resources for

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Tips, How-To’s and Must-Have Resources for
Planning the Perfect Picnic
How to Have the Perfect Picnic............…………………………………………..3
Must-Have Picnic Tips...............…………………………………………………..4
Grilling Basics — Get Fired Up! ...........…………………………………………..5
Kid-Friendly Outdoor Entertaining ......…………………………………………..6
Choosing a Wine Cooler for an Outdoor Wine Tasting........…………………..7
Gourmet Picnic Baskets — The New Style in Al Fresco Dining.......…………..8
Cocktails on the Go — Get the Party Started! …………………………………..9
Romantic Picnicking .....…………………………………………………………..10
The Urban Picnic ...........………………………………………………………….11
Outdoor Living — Planning a Gourmet Picnic .........………………………….12
Top Ten Tailgating Tips ............………………………………………………….13
Recipe Central: From Quick and Easy to Gourmet
Refreshing Summer Salads
Lobster Salad with Summer Vegetables ..........................................................14
Summer Fruit Salad with Mint Sugar ..………………………………………….15
Cooking Up the Fall Harvest
Green Onion-Parmesan Popovers ........………………………………………….16
Cream of Pumpkin Soup .....................………………………………………….17
Comforting Winter Picnic Meals
Roasted Chicken with Garlic Confit....………………………………………….18
Baked Potato Soup ..............................………………………………………….19
Easy Springtime Picnic Recipes
Asparagus Pasta Salad .........................………………………………………….20
Lemon and Garlic Chicken with Spring Vegetables...………………………….21
Vegetarian Picnic Meal Ideas
Roasted Vegetable Baked Ziti..............………………………………………….22
Cucumber Dill and Mustard Salad ......………………………………………….23
Easy Kid Cuisine
Trail Blazer Wraps and Cowboy Casserole ....................................................24
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How to Have the Perfect Picnic
Share and create memories that will last a lifetime, over a delicious meal. Just
follow these tips and menu ideas to plan the perfect picnic for you and your
loved ones.
Keep it simple. Picnics are for relaxing and getting away from stress—don’t
pack meals that require a lot of setup and preparation. Finger foods and a
“deli bar” of assorted meats and cheeses give plenty of variety, and you won’t
have soggy bread when you’re ready to eat.
Stay Organized. Create a “menu list” of items to pack and keep it on your
fridge. Pack the foods that are to be eaten last at the bottom of the cooler or
basket, so you won’t have to unpack everything once you’re ready to eat.
Organization will help make your picnic experience much more enjoyable!
Be Prepared. Here’s a list of items that you may want to have on hand for a picnic. These things can help make your picnic a more carefree, relaxing experience:
• A fully loaded picnic basket, backpack, or cooler pack for carrying all food
and picnic necessities. Pre-packed, or “fitted” picnic sets usually come with
all sorts of convenient amenities such as plates, utensils, glasses, napkins,
and insulated food compartments. Some even come with great extras such
as salt & pepper shakers, corkscrews, cheese knives & cutting boards, insulated coffee mugs and thermoses! It’s the little details like these that will
make an unforgettable impression.
• A quality picnic blanket can make all the difference in your comfort. It’ll
provide a surface to sit on, warm you up on chilly days, and protect you
and your food from ants and other insects. While you could use a tablecloth, quilt, or sheet it’s a good idea to have a portable picnic blanket that’s
ready to use at your whim.
• Ice or frozen blue “cold packs” to keep your food & beverages at just the
right temperature
• Paper towels and/or moist towelettes
• Plastic bag and plastic wrap for any leftovers that are not packed in their
own container
• A plastic bag for trash
• Condiments: salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, sugar, etc.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and other sun protection
• Insect repellant
• Basic first-aid kit
• A camera, so you can capture the memories of this perfect picnic!
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Must-Have Picnic Tips
Before you set out for your picnic, ensure that you’ve got everything you need.
In addition to our list of essentials for a perfect picnic, here are a few tips to
help make your picnic planning fast, fun, and easy:
• Keep extra condiments from fast-food restaurants and drive-throughs in a
drawer in your kitchen, just for use on picnics! It’ll save a lot of room in
your cooler or insulated food compartment.
• Help your thermos keep food cold or hot longer: For hot food, place the
thermos in boiling water just long enough to heat it up well, then fill it
(carefully—be sure to let it cool down enough to the touch so it won’t burn
your skin). For cold contents you could place it in the freezer, or in some ice
before packing.
• Recycle your plastic bags from the grocery store for use as garbage bags
on picnics.
• If you don’t have cold packs or don’t feel like stopping for ice, you could
always just clean & sanitize some empty soda or water bottles, fill them up
with water, and freeze them. Not only will they keep your food cold, but at
the end of the day you’ll have ice cold water to drink.
• Antibacterial hand gel is always a great thing to have on hand, especially
when having a picnic after a hike or other outdoor activity. Use the
unscented variety so it won’t affect the flavor of your food.
• Make sure the location of your picnic is safe. Some sites look pretty and
inviting, but have been declared “off-limits” to picnickers and hikers in
order to protect wildlife, vegetation, or due to safety hazards. Don’t picnic
in unauthorized areas or feed wildlife—check for any signs that may indicate whether the area is permissible for picnic use.
• If you’ve got children with you, you’ll want to bring along some toys,
games, or plan activities to keep them occupied. Some good ideas are kites,
Frisbees, beach balls, ping pong rackets, plastic horseshoes and bubbles.
You could also bring along butterfly nets, bug jars, binoculars for nature
observation, and jump ropes. You could also choose a picnic site according
to whether it will be appropriate for kids—like a playground or park.
• Always check the weather before heading out—you won’t want to get
caught in a storm while in a remote area where it might be dangerous.
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Grilling Basics — Get Fired Up!
Grilling is one of those beloved outdoor activities that we can enjoy yearround, savoring the delicious, distinctive taste of barbecued meats, veggies,
and other foods. Make sure you’ve got all the essential tips and tools you’ll
need for the perfect cookout:
Tools
The most important grilling supplies to have on hand are tongs, a spatula, and
a turning fork—but it’s also helpful to have skewers, a basting brush, corn
cob holders, and a grill brush. The Chef Set is the perfect accessory for any
BBQ enthusiast—it comes with an apron, mitt, and 4 stainless steel tools. If
you’re looking for a larger set that contains everything you need without any
frills, the Traditional Grill Tools set is for you.
Preparation
• To avoid food sticking, make sure the grill is hot and your food is cold –
pre-heat the grill for about 15 minutes before throwing anything on. Also,
rub the racks with vegetable oil or nonstick cooking spray.
• To ensure the outside of your food doesn’t burn before the inside is cooked,
don’t brush on thick marinades or sauces such as barbecue sauce until the
last few minutes.
• Trimming the fat from meat can help prevent flare-ups.
The Food
• Use skewers to cook shrimp—it will make them much easier to handle. When
they start to turn pink on the sides, turn them and then cook until the gray color
is gone. Remove and eat immediately when done for the best taste and texture.
• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to tell when your meat is fully
cooked—it should read 145 degrees for medium rare, 160 for medium, and
170 for well done.
• Be creative—you can cook just about anything on the grill, from appetizers to
desserts. Grilled pineapple and honeydew melon brushed with lime juice and
sugar or honey make a delicious accompaniment to ice cream, for example.
Cleanup
• To ensure you always have a clean grill, use this trick—let the grill act as a
self-cleaning oven by closing the lid and letting it burn itself out when
you’re done cooking for a charcoal grill, or leaving it on for a few extra
minutes with the lid down with a gas grill.
• Using tongs, scrub the grates with a dampened ball of aluminum foil while
they’re still hot—the steam will help loosen gunk and bits of food.
• On gas grills, keep an eye on the drip pan—if it’s full, it can catch fire.
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Kid-Friendly Outdoor Entertaining
Children always love going on picnics. It’s the novelty of having a meal outdoors in a new place, and getting to run around and play games while parents
sit by and observe. Picnics are a great way to bond with the family—they’re
inexpensive, fun, good exercise for kids, and are a nice way to interact without distractions. Take an afternoon out of your busy life of carpooling, doing
homework and chores to relieve stress and have a great time. The memories
you’ll create during your picnic outings will last a lifetime for your kids, and
could become a treasured family tradition.
Don’t stress out over the preparation. Get yourself a nice, big picnic kit that
comes with virtually everything you need, so it’s mostly ready ahead of time.
There are lots of them available with enough supplies and room for the whole
family. Pre-packed (also called “fitted”) picnic baskets, packs, and coolers save
you the headache of seeking out individual items, and allow you to have spontaneous family outings. Most of these types of baskets & packs come with utensils, cups, plates, napkins, insulated food compartments, and even salt & pepper
shakers. There are even super kid-friendly ones available with plastic tumblers
and plates, so you won’t have to worry about little ones running around with
glass in their hands. The Avalanche Picnic Cooler for 4 (pictured) is the perfect
choice for an average size family—it has a spacious, hard-sided cooler compartment along with all the plates, cups, utensils and other extras you need—and it’s
on wheels, so you won’t have to worry about lugging it around!
Keep the food simple & easy. The most effortless solution for picnic food is
to stop by a place like Boston Market or KFC and get some family-sized
buckets and sides to go—just pack them in your picnic cooler and head off to
your destination! Alternately, you could make some simple dishes like macaroni and cheese and treats such as brownies—and get the kids involved in the
whole process! They’ll love helping out and will be even more excited about
the picnic since they were involved in the preparation. Other great kidfriendly food ideas include hot dogs, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, rice
krispie treats, juice boxes, fruit and trail mix.
Bring along some toys and games to keep kids occupied. If you don’t already
have some toys lying around that you’d be willing to allow the kids to bring,
stop by the dollar store where you can usually find kites, Frisbees, beach balls,
ping pong rackets, bubbles and more. You could also bring along butterfly nets,
binoculars for nature observation, bug jars, and jump ropes. Have a scavenger
hunt with some prizes hidden in the bushes & grass. Or, you could just have
your picnic at a playground—built-in entertainment! Just remember to sit back,
relax, and enjoy your children as they run around and have a good time.
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Choosing a Wine Cooler for an Outdoor
Wine Tasting
A wine tasting is an excellent way to experience local culture, and have fun
with your friends and family. Whether you’re touring Sonoma Valley, the
Tuscan countryside, or a town near you, wineries offer a chance to discover
the nuances of the wine in each region, and to purchase bottles of wine as a
unique souvenir to enjoy when you get home.
Wine tastings aren’t just for wineries, though—you can hold one in your own
backyard. Outdoor wine tasting parties are a great way to get your friends
and family together to enjoy some good food and good wine, and have a lot
of fun in the process. You don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to hold a wine
tasting party—E-how offers a great guide to throwing a wine tasting party. In
addition to this, you’ll need the right wine cooler for your bottles of wine.
Choosing a wine cooler for your outdoor wine tasting is easy:
Keep bottles of white and blush wine chilled using an insulated wine cooler.
Simply refrigerate the bottles first, and when it’s nearly time for the party to start,
pack them in the cooler and bring them outside. You can use either a single wine
cooler, a double wine cooler, or even a four bottle insulated wine carrier.
Bottles of red wine should be kept at room temperature or warmer. If it’s a
bit chilly outside, you’ll need an insulated wine tote to keep your wine at the
right temperature. Wine coolers, totes, and carriers all perform the same function: they keep the bottle of wine at a stable temperature. If the bottles start
out cold, they’ll stay cold, and if they start out warm, they’ll stay warm.
If you’re attending an outdoor wine tasting at someone else’s house and you’re
bringing wine along with you, a wine carrier is a great choice. Don’t hold up
the party by chilling the wine you bring once you get there—make sure it stays
cool in an insulated wine carrier. Some wine coolers, such as the Estate Riviera
Deluxe Wine Tote, even come with a corkscrew, cloth napkins, a decorative
bottle stopper, and glasses! They’re practically an all-in-one wine tasting kit.
Make sure the wine cooler you choose is good quality—the weight of wine bottles makes heavy duty straps a necessity. You wouldn’t want your wine cooler
to rip open on the way, sending the bottles crashing to the floor! Look for
brands with a good reputation, such as Picnic at Ascot, Picnic Time or Optima.
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Gourmet Picnic Baskets — The New Style in
Al Fresco Dining
Imagine savoring your favorite dish, a glass of wine in hand, a platter of gourmet
cheeses before you, dabbing your mouth with a designer-print cloth napkin as
you enjoy the company of a loved one. No, you’re not in that expensive restaurant downtown—you’re enjoying the open air, sitting beneath the stars on a
romantic overlook. Perhaps you’re at the beach, a secluded hilltop in wine country, or a rooftop garden in the big city. Wherever you are, you’re relaxed, happy
and relishing the finer things in life.
This is the kind of experience that the new generation of gourmet picnic baskets can provide—baskets with fine quality tableware, custom accents, brass
detailing and all the accoutrements of fine dining. Picnics are no longer about
gingham cotton, paper plates and simple finger foods. You can now have a
four-star dining experience anywhere you wish—from a boat to a rose garden
to a busy town square in an exotic locale.
Today’s gourmet picnic basket is an impressive display of craftsmanship, aesthetics and attention to detail. Not only do they contain full sets of plates,
glasses, utensils, cloth napkins and tablecloths, and waterproof insulated coolers; in these high quality picnic baskets you’ll also find extras such as salt and
pepper shakers, detachable wine bottle coolers, mini cheese boards and
knives, corkscrews and decorative wine bottle stoppers. They’re ideal for special occasions such as honeymoons, anniversaries, dates, and holidays as well
as any time you want to enjoy a delicious meal “al fresco.” To own a gourmet
picnic basket is to always have a veritable celebration-to-go; just pack some
food and beverages and you can have an impromptu outdoor party any time.
Some of these remarkable gourmet baskets even go so far as to include real
crystal, Wedgwood fine bone china, and contents decorated with stunning patterns created by renowned designers. Although some of these picnic baskets are
certainly luxurious, having a gourmet picnic basket is by no means out of
reach of the average person—pricing starts around $50. Picnic baskets are
available for any style or budget. Designs inspired by the Scottish highlands,
the French Riviera, African safaris, and Tuscan vineyards are just a sampling of
the types of baskets available. You can also choose between sets for different
numbers of people, baskets that focus on a wine and cheese or coffee and tea
picnic, and various themes such as sports, baby, wedding, and seasonal.
With all the different designs and price points available, you can find a gourmet picnic basket that’s perfect for your needs and will always be ready for a
fun, delectable meal in the great outdoors—whether it’s a special event, a surprise for a loved one or a spur-of-the-moment chance to enjoy a great outdoor
location in style.
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Cocktails on the Go — Get the Party Started!
Throughout the long sunny days of summer, parties aren’t just confined to
bars and living rooms. People are celebrating at the beach, on outdoor decks
and patios, at parks—anywhere that can provide a festive atmosphere. But,
just because you’re at a backyard luau doesn’t mean you’ll have to forgo your
martini for some punch. Bring along a portable cocktail set—or set the mood
for a romantic date with a wine and cheese set.
With the Manhattan Cocktail Set, you can take all the sophisticated trappings
of an upscale bar to the spot of your choice, whether it’s a party, a romantic
overlook or your hotel on a business trip. This cocktail set is a veritable cocktail party on the go—it comes with two martini glasses, a shaker, jigger, tongs,
strainer, two bottle stoppers, two cloth napkins, a corkscrew, a stirrer, and
room for two bottles of your favorite liquor.
A more compact, yet similarly robust portable cocktail set is the Mini Travel
Bar for 2. The zip-up canvas case measures only 6.5" x 6.5", yet carries a hip
flask, funnel, two collapsible shot glasses, a stirrer, tongs and a corkscrew.
Leather trim, custom stainless steel accents and contrast trim give it a polished
look, while the loop strap enables easy carrying.
An elegant way to transport wine is in the handsome Harmony Wine Case, a
high quality wine carrier that also includes two glasses, two cloth napkins, a
corkscrew, and even a decorative wine bottle stopper. This slick set is fashioned from high quality, waterproof leatherette and is available in your choice
of mahogany and tan or black and green.
For a picnic that highlights the classic combination of a delicious bottle of wine
and some assorted cheeses, the Ivy Wine and Cheese Cooler is the stylish way
to go. Your wine picnic will be perfect with this insulated, leak proof shoulder
bag. It includes a cooler compartment for food, a separate wine cooler, two
glasses, 1 cutting board, a cheese knife, two cloth napkins, a corkscrew, and a
bottle stopper. This upscale tote is ideal for dates.
The web makes it easy to perfect your cocktail-making skills, so you can make
the most of your traveling bar. Get up to date on the latest, trendiest new
drinks, or try some time-honored classics—www.webtender.com,
www.drinknation.com and www.cocktail.com are just a few of many online
resources for everything cocktail. You can search by name, type of glass, ingredients and occasion, or browse their extensive alphabetized lists.
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Romantic Picnicking
Are you trying to come up with the perfect plan to sweep your loved one off
their feet? Having a romantic picnic under the stars can be a wonderful way to
bond with your significant other, if you plan it right. Planning a romantic picnic
for two is easy if you think ahead—be prepared with these tips.
A good picnic would not be complete without a quality picnic basket, and to
impress your date, look for excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail. A
Wine and Cheese Basket is a great solution for picnic dates—they often come
complete with wine glasses, cheese boards & knives, corkscrews and cloth
napkins. Little details like these add a touch of sophistication, and will give
the impression that you have spent a lot of time and effort planning this special picnic. It also saves you the time and expense of finding and purchasing
each item separately. You’ll also want to have a pair of picnic chairs, or a
good waterproof picnic blanket to sit on.
Finding a great spot is easy if you think creatively. No stunning natural scenery
nearby? No problem—you can still have a romantic evening even in your own
backyard. Hang strings of lights from the trees, create a canopy out of out of
fabric, and bring out some pillows to get extra comfortable. Private balconies
are one solution, if you live in an urban location. On rainy days, lay a blanket
out on your living room floor or on a covered porch and arrange plants and
candles to get that outdoor feel. And, remember that those little romantic
details will make the evening special—bring a vase of flowers and a radio, or
make a mix CD of your favorite love songs to play from the car stereo.
Plan a delicious meal that will be easy to transport and clean up after. A simple
platter with a variety of cheese and fruit is visually stunning as well as delicious.
Take a cue from the French, and bring along a fresh baked baguette with some
brie and grapes. Create a Mediterranean feast with tomato & basil bruschetta,
tortellini salad and calamata olive spread with crackers or pita. If you’re pressed
for time or aren’t a great cook, just drop by your local grocery store and pick up a
loaf of French bread, some cheese, a rotisserie chicken and a bottle of white wine.
You could even call your favorite restaurant and order your favorite meals ala
carte. Along with food and beverages, make sure you remember other essential
picnic items that should be included.
The most romantic element of a picnic is often the element of surprise! Show
up at your loved one’s door with a single rose, or pick him up after a long
hard day of work with your picnic basket packed and ready to go in the car.
Leave a beautiful invitation to have a special evening together at her home or
work, not telling her what’s in store. There are so many ways to implement
spontaneity into your romantic picnic for two, making it all the more enjoyable and memorable.
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The Urban Picnic
Living the big-city life has many advantages, but sometimes all the chaos
catches up to you and you can find yourself feeling weary, tense, and very
much in need of a break. But it isn’t always easy to get the time off to take
even a “mini-vacation.” You may only have a few minutes to spare, but it’s
still possible to de-stress without having to drive out into the suburbs.
When one hears the word “picnic,” the images that most often come to mind
are of rolling hills, red checkered tablecloths, watermelon and wide open
spaces. In a city environment, however, these ideas of how picnics should be
just aren’t possible in most cases. Of course, city parks are the most obvious
place to have an urban picnic, but there are many more places available to
you if you think outside the box. Consider bringing a close friend or significant other to a rooftop observation area; many tall buildings in large cities
have them and you can have a cozy, intimate experience with a few folding
chairs and some good food. Balconies are another romantic option, as are
empty stadium stands and even the foot of a statue in a downtown square.
Pack a picnic basket and hitch a ride on a horse-driven carriage to the most
remote spot you can find in Central Park. Big city picnics have the potential
for the kinds of memorable picnic dates that you think only happen in romantic movies—just keep your eyes peeled for the perfect spot as you’re going
about your daily routine.
When you’re short on time, your best option is always to have someone else
do the cooking for you. Have your neighborhood deli pack up some sandwiches and salads to go, or call in an order to a local restaurant for your
favorite meals. Just pick them up on the way, pack them in your picnic basket
or pack and get going! Another great option is to forgo having an entire meal
and just have wine and cheese or cocktails instead. There are a lot of great
portable sets out there that contain everything you need to have a chic little
cocktail party in the open air.
Of course, you may want to go all out and plan a big, impressive spread for
your relaxing picnic experience. In that case, you will need some delicious
new recipes—the Food Network has all the ideas you need, with literally
thousands of recipes that you can browse by theme, ingredients, or by your
favorite chef.
With some creativity and the desire to unwind, urban picnics can be the ideal
solution for hardworking city-dwellers with fast-paced lives.
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Outdoor Living — Planning a Gourmet Picnic
Picnics have long been enjoyed for many types of occasions—family get-togethers, casual parties, a practical pit-stop during a road trip or just an excuse to
enjoy a beautiful day. Most people probably don’t imagine a picnic as being
appropriate for a formal occasion—but now, with the debut of stunning gourmet picnic baskets, a dining experience on a picnic blanket in the fresh air
joined with tuxedos, cocktail dresses and fine china seems altogether natural!
A gourmet picnic can be a unique, unexpected way to celebrate anniversaries,
special achievements, or simply to treat yourself and your loved ones to the
finer things in life. Set up a fun outdoor soiree on the lawn of a historical
mansion and have high tea, just as the Queen of England frequently does on
the grounds of Buckingham Palace. Enjoy a delicious upscale brunch in the
garden with croissants, fresh fruit, fine cheeses and mimosas.
Planning a gourmet picnic is simple, and finding the perfect gourmet picnic
basket is the place to start. Look for a basket with sophisticated details,
designer touches and all the comforts of home—or that expensive little bistro
downtown. The Elite Picnic Basket for Four is a wonderful option—the elegance and luxury of a bygone era are captured in the details of this handcrafted basket. It includes a European hand-woven full reed willow basket,
leather accents, Italian ceramic plates, polished stainless steel flatware, bistro
glasses, stainless steel coffee service and a water resistant blanket. Many other
convenient items are also included, such as an insulated wine pouch and cloth
napkins. It’s easy to imagine luxuriating in a delicious gourmet meal with the
finery that this basket offers. Some other good choices include the Crystal
Wine Glass Lover’s Basket, which includes real crystal, the designer-created
Bridgewater Summertime Tulips Basket, and the Sunshine Picnic Basket for 4,
which was featured on the hit television series Desperate Housewives.
Plan your gourmet picnic meal with the help of some online recipe sources
such as Epicurious.com. This highly regarded recipe collection includes an
entire section of picnic recipes such as Stuffed Eggs with Goat Cheese and
Dill, Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Sandwiches with Tarragon Mayonnaise
and Peach and Berry Compote. Whip up a few of these impressive dishes at
home before the picnic, or simply consult your favorite gourmet restaurant to
have your picnic custom catered.
Last but not least, don’t forget the little extras that can make an ordinary occasion much more special and memorable. Fresh flowers, candles, music, and an
inspired setting are the icing on the cake of a beautiful gourmet picnic.
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Top Ten Tailgating Tips
1. Create a checklist of the essential items you’ll need to have on hand. This
includes your canopy/tarp, grill, tablecloth, chairs, cooler, matches or
lighter, charcoal or propane, cooking utensils, ice, plates, cups, napkins,
trash bags, cooking pans, paper towels and/or wet wipes, oven mitts, serving tray, condiments, food and beverages.
2. Get together your team gear, games, radio, and other fun accessories.
Team flags, t-shirts, umbrellas, towels and other accessories will get everyone revved up for the game and show your spirit. Keep the party going
with a football, playing cards, and other forms of entertainment.
3. The grill is king of the tailgating party—get a good one! A lightweight,
compact portable grill meant for tailgating, camping or travel is the way to
go. Check out our selection of grills on our website, www.picnicfun.com.
4. Keep the menu simple, but flavorful. Finger foods are always the best
option. The requisite burgers and hot dogs are always welcome, but you
can also think about having chicken wings, sub sandwiches, ribs, or
smoked sausage. Grilled vegetable kebobs, pasta salad and potato salad
are options for simple sides. Do all your prep work at home before you
leave to save time.
5. Freeze a large water bottle and use it to regulate the temperature of the
food and beverages in your cooler instead of ice. This way, you won’t
have a cooler full of water by the end of the day—instead, you’ll have a
bottle of some nice cold water to drink.
6. Be prepared for bad weather. Bring a poncho or rain coat along with an
extra layer in case of unexpected cold. It’s always a good idea to have
some kind of covering—a canopy, tent, or tarp—under which to seek shelter from sun, rain, wind or snow.
7. Arrive early for the best tailgating spot. Arrive at the stadium three or
four hours early to get the best spot.
8. Organize your cooler. Place drinks on one side, and food on the other,
with appetizers on top. This way, you won’t have to unpack the entire
cooler to get to the first items you’ll need.
9. Time it right. You’ll want to have all the food ready at least an hour and a
half before the game starts, so there will be plenty of time to enjoy it and
clean up.
10. Be prepared to properly dispose of trash and charcoal briquettes. Lawnsize trash bags are the best way to go; empty trash cans can be few and
far between in stadium parking lots before a big game. Make sure that
your charcoal briquettes have gone out completely before disposing of
them—bring some extra water to douse them with.
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RECIPE CENTRAL — REFRESHING SUMMER SALADS
Lobster Salad with Summer Vegetables
Ingredients:
3 1-1/4-pound live lobsters
3/4 pound red-skinned potatoes, unpeeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
5 tablespoons olive oil
1 large red onion, thinly sliced
1 pound plum tomatoes, halved, seeded, diced (about 2 cups)
1 cup fresh corn kernels (cut from 2 large ears of corn)
1/2 cup (packed) thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Additional fresh basil leaves
Instructions:
Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Drop 1 lobster headfirst into water.
Boil until just cooked through, about 10 minutes. Using tongs, transfer lobster
to baking sheet. Repeat with remaining lobsters. Cool lobsters. Twist claws
and tails off lobsters. Crack claws and claw joints; remove meat. Remove lobster meat from tails. Cut lobster meat into 1/2-inch cubes. (Can be made 1
day ahead; cover and chill.) Steam potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Transfer to large bowl and cool. Heat 4 tablespoons oil in heavy large
skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion; sauté until golden and crisp, about
12 minutes. Cool onion. Place tomatoes, corn, sliced basil, and remaining 1
tablespoon oil in medium bowl; toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Add
lobster and onion to potatoes; mix in lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Mound lobster and potato salad in center of platter. Spoon tomato and
corn salad around. Garnish with additional basil leaves. Makes 6 servings.
Source: Bon Appétit Magazine, August 2002
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RECIPE CENTRAL — REFRESHING SUMMER SALADS
Summer Fruit Salad with Mint Sugar
Active time: 20 min
Start to finish: 25 min
Ingredients:
1/4 cup loosely packed fresh mint
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 lb blackberries, left whole, or 1-1/2 lb sweet cherries, pitted and halved
3 firm-ripe medium peaches or nectarines, halved lengthwise, pitted, and cut
into 1/3-inch-thick wedges
1/2 lb seedless green grapes (1 1/2 cups), halved
Makes 6 servings.
Instructions:
Pulse mint and sugar in a food processor until finely ground. Sprinkle mint
sugar over fruit in a large bowl and toss gently to combine. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Source: Gourmet Magazine — Gourmet Entertains, July 2004
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RECIPE CENTRAL — COOKING UP THE FALL HARVEST
Green Onion-Parmesan Popovers
These popovers are like individual Yorkshire puddings. To make a dozen large
popovers, just double the recipe and use two pans.
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
2/3 cup plus 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
8 large eggs, room temperature
2-2/3 cups whole milk, room temperature
3 large green onions, finely chopped
2-2/3 cups all purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush twelve 1/3-cup (standard) nonstick muffin cups
or six 1-cup (large) nonstick muffin cups with 3 tablespoons melted butter;
dust with 2/3 cup cheese. Beat eggs to blend in large bowl. Beat in milk and
green onions, then remaining 1/2 cup melted butter. Blend flour, salt, and
remaining 1/2 cup cheese in medium bowl; gradually whisk into egg mixture
(some small lumps may remain). Divide batter among muffin cups. Bake
popovers without opening oven until puffed and crusty brown, about 38 minutes for small and 48 minutes for large; turn out of pan and serve hot.
Makes 12 small or 6 large.
Source: Bon Appétit Magazine — Menus, December 2005
Bruce Aidells and Nancy Oakes
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RECIPE CENTRAL — COOKING UP THE FALL HARVEST
Cream of Pumpkin Soup
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
3 Tbsp. butter
1 large onion, finely chopped (1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/8 to 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
1 14-oz. cans chicken broth
1/2 cup uncooked orzo or wild rice
1-1/2 cups half-and-half, light cream, or milk
1 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 15-oz can pumpkin
Cracked black pepper (optional)
Instructions:
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in
crushed red pepper; cook for 1 minute. Add broth; bring to boiling. Stir in
orzo or rice. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, about 10 minutes for orzo or
40 minutes for wild rice until orzo or rice is tender. In a screw-top jar combine half-and-half and flour. Cover; shake well to combine. Stir into orzo mixture; cook and stir until slightly thickened and bubbly. Stir in pumpkin; heat
through. Transfer to an insulated container. Sprinkle each serving with
cracked black pepper. Makes 6 to 8 side-dish servings.
Source: Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, September 2005
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RECIPE CENTRAL — WINTER RECIPES BRING WARMTH TO OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING
Roasted Chicken with Garlic Confit
You can use the leftover garlic oil from this recipe and use it to toss with
pasta, as an addition to the chicken.
Ingredients:
12 garlic cloves (about 1 head), lightly smashed and peeled
3 fresh thyme sprigs
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (3-lb) chicken, quartered
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Put oven rack in upper third of oven and preheat oven to 500°F. Cook garlic,
thyme, and 3/4 cup oil in a 1- to 1-1/2-quart heavy saucepan over low heat,
uncovered, until garlic is very tender but not golden, about 25 minutes. While
garlic is cooking, pat chicken pieces dry and rub all over with butter and
remaining tablespoon oil. Sprinkle all over with salt and pepper. Arrange
chicken, skin sides up, in a shallow baking pan and roast 20 minutes. Transfer
garlic to a small bowl along with 1 tablespoon garlic oil and mash with a fork.
Spread mashed garlic over skin of roasted chicken, then return chicken to oven
and roast until just cooked through and skin is crisp, about 5 minutes.
Makes 4 servings.
Source: www.epicurious.com
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RECIPE CENTRAL — WINTER RECIPES BRING WARMTH TO OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING
Baked Potato Soup
Ingredients:
4 large baking potatoes
2/3 cup butter
2/3 cup flour
1-1/2 quarts milk
4 green onions, diced
1 cup sour cream
6–8 slices crisp-cooked bacon, crumbled (to equal 1 cup)
5 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Seasoned croutons
Instructions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees and bake the potatoes until tender. Cut potatoes in
half and scoop out the meat, set aside. Cut up 2 potato peels into small pieces
and discard the rest. Melt butter in a medium saucepan. Slowly blend in flour
with a wire wisk, until thoroughly blended. Gradually add milk to the
butter/flour mixture, whisking constantly. Whisk in salt, pepper, onion and
garlic powder. Simmer on low, stirring constantly until liquid bubbles. When
the milk mixture is very hot, whisk in potato. Add the potato peels and some
of the onion. Reserve the rest of the onion to top off the soup when serving.
Whisk well, add sour cream and bacon. Cook on low about 10 minutes. Add
3/4 of the cheese, a little at a time until it is melted in. Serve with seasoned
croutons, fresh onion and cheese on top.
Source: www.recipezaar.com
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RECIPE CENTRAL — EASY SPRINGTIME PICNIC RECIPES
Asparagus Pasta Salad
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
1 small shallot or 1/2 large shallot, finely chopped
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, eyeball it
1 pound asparagus, thin spears
2 endive, cored and thinly sliced
1/2 small red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 pound bow tie pasta, farfalle, cooked to al dente and cooled
1/2 cup frozen green peas
1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley, a couple of handfuls
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
Heat shallot and oil in microwave safe covered dish for 30 seconds or in a
small pan on the stovetop over medium low heat for 5 minutes. Allow oil to
cool back to room temperature. Hold a spear of asparagus at each end and
snap it. The spear breaks where the tender tops meet the tough bottoms. Line
the broken spear up with the bundle of cleaned asparagus. Cut the spears
using the guideline of the snapped spear. Par boil the asparagus tops in 1 inch
simmering water covered for 3 to 5 minutes. Cool under cold running water
and drain. Cut asparagus into 1-inch pieces on an angle and add to a bowl.
Combine chopped, cooked asparagus with shredded endive, red bell pepper,
cooked pasta, green peas and chopped parsley. The peas will defrost as you
toss salad. Pour vinegar into a small bowl and whisk in cooled shallot oil.
Pour dressing over salad and toss. Season salad with salt and pepper, to your
taste and toss again.
Source: Rachel Ray, www.foodnetwork.com
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RECIPE CENTRAL — EASY SPRINGTIME PICNIC RECIPES
Lemon and Garlic Chicken with
Spring Market Vegetables
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients:
1 whole young chicken, about 3-1/4 to 3-1/2 pounds
2 teaspoons sea salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large vidalia onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 large lemons, juice and zest reserved
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 to 1-1/2 cups hot chicken stock
1/2 pound baby carrots with green tops attached
1/2 pound pencil asparagus
5 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh thyme leaves
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add the chicken, skin side
down, and brown well before turning to brown the meat side. When the
chicken is well browned, add the onions, and cook until golden brown. Add
the garlic and cook for 1 minute, add lemon juice and white wine, bring
quickly to a boil, reduce heat to a low simmer, cover the pan with a tight fitting lid and cook for 5 to 8 minutes. Add 1 cup of chicken stock and continue
to cook, covered, for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked. Add additional chicken stock if the pan dries out too quickly.
While the chicken is cooking, peel the carrots and place them in a saucepan
with 1/4 cup water and a tablespoon butter. Season with salt and pepper and
cook the carrots for 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat and set aside. Wash the
asparagus and cut off any woody stem attached. Put the asparagus into a pot
with 1/4 cup water and a tablespoon butter and salt and pepper. Cook over
low heat for 2 minutes and set aside. When the chicken is fully cooked,
remove from the saute pan and place on a platter. Carefully ladle off any
grease that has accumulated on the surface of the stock and swirl in the
remaining 3 tablespoons butter to give a smooth silky finish.
Source: Sara Moulton, www.foodnetwork.com
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RECIPE CENTRAL — VEGETARIAN PICNIC MEAL IDEA S
Roasted Vegetable Baked Ziti
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients:
SAUCE:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups vegetable stock
1 medium onion, poked with a fork
3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
VEGETABLES:
2 pounds plum tomatoes, seeded, quartered
2 medium Italian eggplant, quartered, sliced
2 large red bell peppers, seeded, quartered
1 large Spanish onion, halved, cut into eighths
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 cup calamata olives, pitted, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound ziti pasta, cooked al dente, drained
1 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced thin
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Preheat broiler. Make sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook,
whisking about 2 minutes. Stir in vegetable stock, a little bit at a time. Add
onion and Parmesan cook until the thickness you would like. Remove onion.
Set aside. In a roasting pan arrange tomatoes, eggplant, red peppers, onion and
toss with garlic, olives and oil. Place pan in the oven on the top shelf for 30
minutes or until vegetables are beginning to brown. Remove from oven to a
cutting board and roughly chop all the vegetables. Transfer them to a bowl.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Ladle about 1/3 of sauce on the bottom of a 9
by 13-inch pan. Layer 1/2 of vegetables, 1/2 cooked pasta, 1/2 of mozzarella,
1/2 pasta, 1/3 sauce, 1/2 mozzarella, 1/2 vegetables, 1/3 sauce, Parmesan. Bake,
covered with foil, for approximately 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 10
minutes more or until bubbly.
Source: Curtis Aikens, www.foodnetwork.com
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RECIPE CENTRAL — VEGETARIAN PICNIC MEAL IDEA S
Cucumber, Mustard and Dill Salad
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons white-wine vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1-1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon mild olive oil
1 large seedless cucumber (usually plastic-wrapped; 1 lb), peeled
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
Instructions:
Whisk together vinegar, mustard, salt, and sugar in a bowl, then add oil in a
slow stream, whisking. Halve cucumber lengthwise and remove seeds with a
small spoon, then cut halves crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick slices. Add cucumber and dill to vinaigrette, tossing to coat. Makes 4 servings.
Source: Gourmet Magazine, October 2004
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RECIPE CENTRAL — EASY KID CUISINE
Trail Blazers Wrap
Ingredients:
Peanut butter
Honey
1 banana, sliced
1/4 cup yogurt
1 cup granola
Flour tortillas
Instructions:
Spread peanut butter over two tortillas. Drizzle honey over peanut butter to
taste. In bowl, mix together 1 sliced banana, 1/4 cup vanilla or banana yogurt
and 1 cup granola. Divide mix between tortillas, wrap, and eat.
Source: www.chefmom.com
Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients:
1 lb. hamburger
1 onion
15 oz can Ranch Style beans
15 oz can Spanish Rice
Grated cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Brown hamburger and onion; drain excess fat. Add Beans and rice, heat.
Sprinkle with cheese; bake at 350 until melted. (I usually just put the lid on
the skillet and heat until the cheese is melted.)
Source: www.chefmom.com
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