A picnic is as much about making memories as it is about enjoying a tasty meal al fresco. This age-old tradition allows for some great bonding time — which is why so many families take their oversized blankets and wicker baskets to parks, lakes and beaches during holiday weekends.
If you've never dined outdoors with your family, now's the time to start planning! Possibly the most popular picnic day of the year is right around the corner ... the 4th of July!
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To make your own Pretzel Sparklers, see recipe below.
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Here are some things to consider before venturing out to find your prime picnic spot for Independence Day.
Location, location, location. Choose a picnic spot that has something for everyone. Consider the size of your family and who all will be attending your outdoor event. Make sure there's a shaded area to retreat to in case the sun's rays get too hot. Also, if there are children in the group, find a spot with a park or recreational area nearby so they can have an adventure.
(Tip for the 4th: Drop your picnic gear wherever you think you'll be able to see the fireworks show the best!)
Simple snacking. Don't plan complicated meals that require lots of setup and last-minute prep work; after all, an easy menu usually means easy packing and even easier cleanup. Finger foods and fruit trays are great for an outdoor adventure, but scrap the pre-made sandwich tray and opt for something a little more communal — a deli bar! Group your meats, cheeses, breads and condiments onto platters so that family members can build their own subs. Also, whip up some tasty side dishes and desserts. Pasta salads are great because they can be prepared days before and hold up well in the heat!
Transporting treats. There are plenty of ways to get your goodies to your picnic spot, from your traditional wicker basket to a sturdy canvas backpack to even pre-packed picnic sets that come with plates, napkins, utensils and more. Whatever you choose to use, remember to stay organized. Here are some tips: Always lay a towel at the bottom of your basket/backpack/cooler in case anything spills. Make a checklist of your menu so that you don't forget anything you've been stashing in the fridge. Put your heavy items toward the bottom to avoid squished breads. Freeze bottled water the night before. These pull double duty — they keep your food cold for awhile AND, once the hot sun's been out awhile, there will be extra drinking water.
It's all about the blanket. A quality blanket can make all the difference in the world when you're out picnicking. Sure, a quilt or bed sheet will do the job, but why not shop around for a picnic blanket that's big enough and comfy enough for your group? There are some really cute ones out there, and some are even waterproof to protect your family (and your family's food) from the ground's moisture.
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If you're planning a picnic for the 4th of July, why not put together some Independence Day-themed treats?
Pretzel Sparklers
1 bag pretzel rods
1 bag of white chocolate chips, melted
Sprinkles (red, white, and blue) or star decorations
Melt the white chocolate chips according to the package directions.
While chocolate is still hot, dip the pretzel rods halfway into the melted chocolate.
Sprinkle star decorations or red, white, and blue sprinkles onto the chocolate covered pretzel rod, before the chocolate cools.
Place coated pretzel rod on waxed paper or in a cup (decorated side up) to dry and cool.
