Warmer weather and hazy sunny days makes me day dream about beach days, garden parties and plenty of picnic feast ideas. I'm not talking about your typical al fresco dining experience, I've rounded up picnic feast fit for a Queen and one that'll please the kids and grandparents.
It’s the perfect time of year to pack a wicker basket, break out a beach blanket, and head to your favourite coastal location to relax and soak up the sunny rays.
The key to great picnic food is an array of sides, snack and liquid refreshments that don’t have to be served at a particular temperature. Room temperature food is best, or options that can sit for a bit without losing its flavour and appea. Some of the recipes I have recommended actually get better as they sit and the flavours melt.
Make sure you have all the cool picnic gear required. Lots of local stores should have a good selection of picnic baskets and utensils to purchase. My favourite brand is Garden Trading check them out here https://www.gardentrading.co.uk/_all?searchterm=picnic
Here are a few delicious picnic ideas for a long sunny August day by the sea.
Caprese Salad
Top tip... You can also make a caprese with smaller tomato varieties, such as plum, roma, cherry, grape, or sun gold. If you go that route, tear the mozzarella into smaller pieces so that every bite strikes the right balance of flavors. No matter how you prepare it, be sure to use the freshest whole-milk mozzarella you can find.Tear a good handful of basil leaves and spread amongst the tomatoes and mozzarella. To finish drizzle a balsamic glaze over the salad, it looks simply delicious
Try to design your own version of the below salads and sandwiches
Feta cheese, beetroot & hazelnut Salad
Tomato, Basil, and Artichoke Brioche
Chicken with Melted Brie & Cous Cous.
Vegetarian Club Wrap
Mixed Olives & Sun-dried Tomatoes
Avocado Summer Sandwich.
Eton Mess with raspberries
The perfect Eton mess recipe...
500g/1lb 2oz raspberries
400ml/14fl oz double cream
3 x 7.5cm/3in ready-made meringue nests, crushed
1 tbsp ginger cordial (optional)
sprigs of fresh mint, to garnish
Purée half the raspberries in a blender. Chop the remaining raspberries, reserving four for decoration. Whip the double cream until stiff peaks form, then fold in the raspberry purée and crushed meringue. Fold in the chopped raspberry and ginger cordial, if using.
Spoon equal amounts of the mixture into four cold wine glasses. Serve garnished with the remaining raspberries and a sprig of mint.
Then if you do have a little room, why not crack open a chilled bottle of fizz or red wine to accompany the cheese & biscuits - oh so scrumptious!
Selection of your favourite cheese & biscuits
A chilled bottle of Fizz - well it would be rude not to!