The Summer Picnic

Summer is really our special season – the time that most of us can really enjoy the great outdoors without having to be rugged up against the elements. The barbecue gets a good workout throughout this season, especially as now we can enjoy a lot more variety there than just the steak and sausage. 

This is also a great time to enjoy the fresh summer picnic – whether it be as we relax at the beach, trek to the local park with the family and friends, or just in your own backyard – all picnics can be fun and eating outdoors is always way more interesting!!

The sandwich is pretty much a must - there are so many great breads to choose from now, so grab your favourite. Keep it simple by making sure you have some yummy fillings and some even yummier chutneys & relishes, to make your ultimate sandwich or filled roll – remember you want this to be easy and not hard work for someone to have to pre-prepare:

• Curried Egg – boil 4 large eggs for about 4 mins from time boiling starts. Remove from heat, run under cold water and peel. Place in a large bowl with 2 tbspns mayonnaise, ½ tspn curry powder, 2tbspns chopped fresh chives & ½ tspn salt, and mash with the back of a fork and gently stir to ensure mixture is well mixed. Place in a container and chill for the picnic.

• Freshly cooked or a tin of asparagus, sliced beetroot and chickpeas.

• A selection of cheeses, cold meats and smoked salmon.

• A selection of fresh veges like tomatoes, avocados, capsicums and lettuce

·         And don’t forget to add a couple of great chutneys, relishes or aiolis. On www.tastesfromaroundnz.co.nz we have a beautiful Q Garden Date Chutney which is sweet & flavoursome, or if you’re into your heady spice laden mix try the Q Garden Eggplant Kassoundi – both great with curries, cold meats & cheeses in your lovely sandwich. We also have a wonderful selection of Provisions Chutneys – their Cuisine Artisan Award winner in 2009 the Roasted Cherry Chutney, the Roasted Nectarine Chutney or the Apricot Moorish Chutney – all absolutely yummy on your sandwich . And to add further choice we have the wonderful Peplers Beetroot & Orange Relish, Red Pepper Jelly or their Roast Capsicum Aioli, or the Lavender’s Green Roast Lemon Chutney and finally the lovely and spicy Bentwood Barn Maharajah Chutney. Just so much choice !!

And if you want to do a bit more preparation before your picnic then you can always toss together a salad. One really good option is :

• Couscous Salad – so simple to prepare. Just tip boiling water over the grains and leave sitting for a few minutes before adding some of your favourites – diced ham, or cooked and chopped bacon, chopped tomatoes & red capsicum, chopped spring onions and corn nibbles.

Don’t forget to take along some drinks – whether it be a good brewed coffee in the flask or a nice chilled bottle of chardonnay or toss in a couple of chilled Aroha Elderflower Sparkle drinks – so refreshing, they go so well with dining outdoors. And for the kids to have something special, check out the Lemon Fresh Lemonade Mix – how old-fashioned and quaint and great for the picnic - makeup beforehand and get it cold in your drinks container.

For dessert don’t forget about the grapes or summer berries – a sweet that’s very healthy.

To ensure you have the best picnic ever don’t forget a few essentials :

• Don’t forget your picnic blanket.

• Pack your food & drinks in a chilly bin to keep things lovely and cool and add the frozen pads.

• You’ll need a bread knife and a sharp knife, marg, can opener, paper or picnic plates, glasses or plastic cups for your drinks, insect repellent, sunhat, sunscreen and wipes for sticky fingers.

Enjoy your picnic and enjoy summer!

Karen Pervan

www.tastesfromaroundnz.co.nz