Though it seems to be taking its sweet time getting here, rumor has it summer is upon us.  One of the best parts of the season is the opportunity to pack a picnic basket and enjoy the sunshine.  Ah, but before you cram your picnic basket full of potato salad, fried chicken and ice cream sandwiches, check out our tips for the top ten foods to bring to a picnic.

Cheese and Crackers – Just about everyone likes cheese and crackers.  It’s an easy, compact snack.  Try a wheel of Brie, a block of Gouda and a yummy spreadable Goat cheese. Add crackers and enjoy!

Chips and Dip – Just like its cousin cheese and crackers, chips and dip are simple and require minimal prep or cleanup.  As the Barefoot Contessa would say, how easy
is that?

Watermelon – Does anything say summer like juicy wedges of watermelon?  Cut it up at home or even better, buy it pre-cut from the grocery store. For fun, have a seed-spitting contest. Or not.

Sandwiches – You can’t go wrong with a sandwich (unless it’s ice cream).  Skip chicken, egg or tuna salad and opt instead for sliced meats and cheeses from your supermarket
deli.  Peruse the bakery while you’re at it and go for French baguette, brioche or croissant, add pickles and spicy mustard and you’re ready to chow down.

Pasta or bean salads – These versatile staples lend themselves well to just about any combination of seasonings, vegetables and herbs; toss pasta with Spanish olives, summer sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and oil with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Use your imagination!  Just don’t forget the forks.

Crudités – A tray of cut vegetables with dip is simple, fresh and delicious.

Cookies – Cookies pack and travel well and you won’t have to worry about smeared frosting or sticky ice cream hands.

Lemonade – Need we say more?

Jello-Cups – Who doesn’t love Jell-O?  Bust out the sporks for this one.

Fruit Salad – Take advantage of all the delectable fruit in season by mixing them up in a salad. Try a berry salad with a twist – pour a cup each of strawberries, blueberries and raspberries with one tablespoon of sugar, three tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and three tablespoons of Grand Marnier into a bowl.  Cover and refrigerate at least two hours or overnight, stirring occasionally.  Top with a little Redi Whip. You’ll never look at fruit salad the same.

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