I’ve always loved a good picnic. The day is warm and sunny. There’s a light breeze in the air. Your friends have gathered clutching their portable potluck in baskets and bags while they scope out the best place to throw down their blanket and wait for the outdoor feasting to begin. Ahh the simple pleasures of summer!
Enter the summer of 2020, bringing with it the pent-up anxiety that we are all feeling after sheltering in place since mid-March. Since many states are beginning to ease restrictions for outdoor activities, here are some tips to make sure your picnic follows protocol to practice safe distancing while hosting your social circle. Bring portions of casseroles or salads in individual cupcake holders or plastic single serve containers. Wear gloves if you have to grab sandwiches or chicken from a platter. Wrap cookies or desserts in individual portions. Ask guests to bring their own drinks and eating utensils. And, of course, wear a mask.
On to the good stuff. I’ve curated a list of culinary classics to help make your pandemic picnic extra delicious. My favorite nibbles are caprese skewers (yum) and cucumber and dill tea sandwiches (how proper!). After surveying friends, their faves were orzo salad, fried chicken (duh), banana pudding, and watermelon. Pimento cheese is great homemade, but take it easy and make it easy by picking up a tub at your local Costco – I love the spicy one with jalapenos. Everything tastes better on Kings Hawaiian bread. Add chilled Prosecco, or your favorite La Croix, and you’re all set.
Check out a few simple culinary ideas here: