Pack your cooler carefully, and wrap food very well. The most perishable foods should be on the bottom, where it's coldest. Make sure you have plenty of ice in heavy-duty plastic zipper bags, and layer them throughout the cooler. Or freeze those freezer packs and use lots of them. One great idea is to freeze water in plastic bottles, leaving some headspace for expansion. Then put the bottles in your cooler. The ice will gradually melt, and you'll have ice water to drink as a bonus! All the foods here are prepared ahead of time. As always, substitute, add or subtract ingredients to your taste. Follow the directions carefully, be sure to bring a huge thick tablecloth or quilt to sit on or to cover the picnic table, and enjoy your weekend getaway.
My Perfect Picnic Menu
- The Best Lemonade
Simple syrup is the secret to perfect lemonade. If you want your lemonade to stay cold and never get diluted, make some extra and freeze it in ice cube trays to add to glasses. - potato chips
- Cheese and Carrot Sandwich Buns
I am so particular about sandwich buns. They have to be sturdy enough so they don't squish down into a thin layer as you eat, they must have flavor on their own, they can't ever get soggy, and they have to be tender yet have enough texture to stand up to the fillings. These homemade buns are the answer! You'll love them too. - sandwich meats
- mayonnise, mustard, relishes
- lettuce and tomato for sandwiches
- Honey Lime Fruit Salad
The combination of honey and lime with the best fresh fruits of the season is really fabulous. If Farmer's Markets are open in your area, go there for the best produce selection. - Chocolate Chip Cookies
And this is the perfect picnic dessert! Chocolate chip cookies are the classic portable dessert, and this recipe is the best.
