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Post by tillystar on Jul 13, 2009 9:37:21 GMT
Ok - so I am doing a surprise picnic for 2 in a few weeks and I am looking for some inspiration.
Would would you put in your dream picnic for 2 greedy people?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 13, 2009 10:22:22 GMT
Well, first of all, it should be a dream picnic for you as well, so you should not overdo the effort of preparation -- the setting and the weather will count more than the specific food and drink.
Obviously you need something nice to drink; I'm sure you know what you want in that department.
In terms of food, I would go for the sort of items that you could get from a deli, even if you prepare them yourself -- sliced roast beef or smoked chicken as the principal meat items, accompanied by some sort of salad that will not wilt -- meaning more along the lines of potato or macaroni salad instead of greens. Some good cheese and bread. Nothing wrong with some small fruit tarts to finish it off, and maybe some cherries or grapes to nibble later in the afternoon.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 13, 2009 11:24:41 GMT
One of the best picnics I ever put together was centered around all Middle Eastern food. It was also one of the easiest to put together as I used pint sized tight lidded containers that were easy to pack. The pita bread was easily enclosed in a zip loc bag as were the grapes and cheese. I had prepared tabouli,hummous,baba ganouj,black olives and chicken that had been rotisseried (or as K suggested a smoked chicken). Grapes and cheese or some yogurt with fresh fruit.
Make sure ahead of time (make a list) you have all the important utensils and comforts:(corkscrew,knives,forks,napkins and some lightweight plates and of course a lovely tablecloth or it's equivelent and a comfy blanket or spread to sprawl out on) I suggest a list as I always seem to forget something,usually the most important item like a corkscrew or small cups to drink from. Then of course a garbage bag and maybe some moist towelettes.
Sounds like fun tilly,where is the setting?
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Post by hwinpp on Jul 13, 2009 11:26:14 GMT
Nothing like a cold roast chicken at a picnic!
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Post by tillystar on Jul 13, 2009 11:31:16 GMT
After our quick visit to Cambridge a few weeks back I decided to surprise Mr Star with a punt along the river and a picnic for his birthday next month as he was very taken with the whole thing.
So location is sorted, I just hope my request for good weather has been noted...
I like these ideas - I love the idea of a smoked chicken I am going to try and find somewhere I can get my hands on one. The list is a great idea as I would definately forget something otherwise!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 13, 2009 11:31:48 GMT
Of course my DREAM picnic would be to have someone else doing all the prep work,schlepping etc. and it would be at my DREAM location "du jour" with everything all taken care of .
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Post by tillystar on Jul 13, 2009 11:36:03 GMT
Ha yeah - its really the dream picnic for the birthday person!
Thanks for the smoked meat idea, I just found somewhere close that does smoked chicken and duck in different styles and I am spoilt for choice. I shouldn't look at pictures of delicious looking meats just before lunchtime.
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Post by lagatta on Jul 13, 2009 12:09:08 GMT
I do want some green salad on a picnic. If it isn't too hot, you can make a mixed green salad, and of course add the vinaigrette at the last moment. Greens such as rocket (roquette, aragula, rucola) are a bit hardier than lettuces. You could also do a chopped vegetable salad: cucumbers, tomatoes etc (remember that tomatoes tend to yield a lot of water - it is better to use San Marzano-type if you can find them) or a taboulé made with finely-chopped parsley and other herbs (mint is classic, but not everyone likes it), finely-chopped tomatoes and some kind of onion-family relative, bulghur wheat, lemon, bit of olive oil...
Don't forget good bread!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 13, 2009 18:48:56 GMT
mustard or mayonnaise to go with the chicken.
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Post by bazfaz on Jul 13, 2009 20:30:09 GMT
You know what I think Mr Star would really enjoy? I whole side of smoked salmon, lots of halved lemons, ready buttered brown bread, some well chilled Torres white wine, peaches, and you.
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Post by spindrift on Jul 13, 2009 20:48:15 GMT
And don't forget something sweet to nibble on...like mini petit fours! from Waitrose.
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Post by bazfaz on Jul 13, 2009 20:51:19 GMT
I think Mr Star should nibble on Tilly.
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Post by spindrift on Jul 13, 2009 21:03:54 GMT
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Post by tillystar on Jul 15, 2009 12:10:15 GMT
 Baz! Oh this is great - I love the smoked chicken/salmon ideas as he loves smoked stuff. I found somewhere near work I can pick up a selection of smoked bits the day before. Easy and perfect thank you!
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Post by lagatta on Jul 15, 2009 12:26:55 GMT
I love smoked salmon, and can assure you that it is always a great hit at picnics. I bought some for a picnic with Parisian friends at Parc de la Villette (kerouac has posted on La Villette); one of my friends is "leniently" kosher - she doesn't eat pork or shellfish. Unusual among my friends there, most of my friends of Jewish or Muslim origins will eat any of that stuff. But she loved it and so did everyone else. Not a whole side, think I bought it frozen as it was much cheaper, but a good kind. It was just nice and chilled when I arrived there on a very hot day. Evaporated very soon.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 30, 2009 13:49:35 GMT
How was the picnic tilly or has it not happened yet? Curious on how things turned out?
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Post by traveler63 on Jul 31, 2009 1:58:28 GMT
For me it would be a nice pate, a selection of cheese, say brie, a nice blue cheese,and a wonderful bagette a nice cold chicken , a beautiful salad, champagne and chocolate covered strawberries.
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Post by spindrift on Jul 31, 2009 9:16:58 GMT
In the UK we've had dire weather - most unsuitable for picnics  |
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Post by tillystar on Aug 3, 2009 15:39:43 GMT
No, it hasn't happened yet - it isn't until the weekend of 22 August. I was advance planning as we are away every weekend at the moment so no time to organise!
I hope the weather is good - we have got a punt for the day so will be out on the river if the sun is shining! It will be smoked food and stinky cheese all the way!
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Post by spindrift on Aug 3, 2009 18:27:39 GMT
Don't forget to pack a rug...
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Post by bixaorellana on Aug 3, 2009 20:45:47 GMT
But don't cut a rug -- not safe in a punt!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2009 20:47:47 GMT
All of England might be in quarantine by August 22nd.
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Post by auntieannie on Aug 6, 2009 19:06:18 GMT
It is "in quarantine" all year long, what with the Channel and all that!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2009 17:30:01 GMT
Mmmmmm.... runny camembert! |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2009 19:10:11 GMT
That's sad.
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