Amy's Perfect Picnic Recipe

 

While queues for "outside seats" in cafes are continuing to grow, why beat around the bush? C'mon and get savvy and beat the queue. Be one step ahead and have your very own DIY al fresco lunch.....ie. a picnic!

Now in fairness, I haven't actually had a picnic since I brought my teddy bears on one, circa 1980 something or other, so please bare with me, my picnic knowledge may be a little rusty! But as far as I remember....it's no more really than an 'oul blanket, a few soggy sambos and bobs your uncle!

The key to any successful picnic is to keep it light and air tight! You should keep it simple and as little fuss as possible. You need something you can make in a hurry and that can carry well.  So no soups or sauces please.

Al fresco dining is most definitely the best kind of dining, so enjoy it while you can!  It's easy on the pocket, and you get to feel like you're in a scene from a Jane Austen novel, all at the same time. Bonus!!

Here are some of my top picnic recipes.....

 

Parsnip, Apple and Bacon slaw

 

You will need:

2 apples (the red and sweet kind)

1 medium parsnip

1 stalk celery

75g lardons (or bacon pieces)

2 tbsp Mayo

1 tbsp Dijon Mustard

1tbsp Lemon juice

Salt and pepper

Method:

Fry your bacon pieces in a small frying pan until crispy and brown. Meanwhile grate the apples, parsnip and celery in a serving bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together the mayo, mustard and lemon juice with a pinch of salt and pepper. Season to your liking. Mix through apple mix, then stir in crispy bacon bits.

 

Pesto Pinwheel Wrap

 

You will need: 

2 tortilla wraps

2 tbsp pesto (homemade recipe below)

Handful baby spinach

2 slices of ham

Handful of grated mozzarella

Few cherry tomatoes chopped

Method:

You really can add anything to your liking to these. This is just a suggestion. The key is to wrap the tortilla really tight so that when you cut into it you keep the pinwheel effect. Lay the tortilla flat and spread the contents evenly around.

 

Rocket and Walnut Pesto

 

You will need: 

1 bag of Rocket Leaves

2 cloves garlic

Handful of walnuts (chopped)

3 tbsp olive oil

1 lemon squeezed

50g Parmesan

Salt and pepper

Method:

This recipe makes enough to keep in the fridge for a few days.  It's great for adding to pasta for a quick and convenient meal, or even as a dip with some crackers etc.

Blitz all ingredients together until you have a light green paste. You may need to add more oil to get the right consistency. Season to your liking. It may need more lemon or cheese etc. I'll let you be the judge of that one!

 

Peanut Brittle

You will need:

100g Granulated Sugar

100g Salted peanuts

Method:

This is the easiest and quickest treat I think you can ever make!

Add sugar to a small pot on a low heat and melt without stirring just slightly swirling the pan occasionally. Eventually the sugar will turn a beautiful golden colour and then start to resemble a caramel sauce. At this point add your peanuts and stir quickly before it begins to harden. Quickly transfer contents onto a lined baking tray and spread evenly. When it has cooled, it will be solid as a rock. Break into chunks and chomp. Mind your teeth.....

 

Fresh Cloudy Lemonade

 

You will need: 

125ml water

125g brown sugar

2-3 lemon squeezed

2 cups cold water to dilute

Method:

Melt 125ml of water and brown sugar in a small pan until fully dissolved and resembles a syrup. Take off the heat and pour into a tall jug, adding your lemon juice and cups of water to dilute. Adjust the taste. You may like a little more lemon or perhaps a bit more diluted with water. Serve cold over a glass of ice.

 

And there you have it....the Perfect picnic recipe!