Summer means enjoying all kinds of fun activities. You might be going camping for a wilderness adventure or heading out on the open road. Even an afternoon picnic in town can give you a wonderful break. But before you leave, you need simple but delicious foods to take along. Here are some ideas.
Road Trip Munchies
- veggies in mason jars: Put veggie dip or hummus in the bottom of the jar, and add veggie sticks such as carrots, celery and cucumber for an instant healthy snack with no mess.
- tortilla rollups: Spread cream cheese and salsa, ham and cheese or peanut butter and jam on a tortilla and roll up for a sandwich that won’t fall apart when you eat it on the road.
- edible necklace: String munchies such as pretzels and Cheerios onto a string for easy snacking for kids.
- bento boxes: Every kid loves variety, so pack a sectioned lunch box with small amounts of snacks such as fruit, cheese, crackers, cold cuts and veggies.
Camping Delicacies
- burritos to-go: Make your favourite burritos at home – use peppers and onions, meat, cheese and salsa and wrap in heavy-duty foil. Reheat over the campfire and serve with extra salsa, guacamole and sour cream.
- campfire popcorn: Place popcorn kernels and a little oil in a pouch of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Fold foil to close pouch tightly, leaving room for popcorn to pop. Tie string on a corner of the pouch and attach to stick. Shake over campfire until popcorn is popped and sprinkle with salt.
- ice-cream cone s’mores: Spread a little peanut butter in cones. Add sliced bananas, chocolate chips and marshmallows. Wrap in foil and place on fire grate until everything is melted, gooey and delicious.
Gourmet Picnic
- watermelon two ways: Puree a simple syrup (sugar and water) with watermelon, rosemary and lemon juice. Add rum and ice for a cocktail. Or omit rum and add feta for a watermelon “soup.”
- asian pasta salad: Prepare noodles and mix together a peanut sauce with peanut butter, sesame oil, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, pepper and hot sauce. Mix in cucumber, scallions and cooked chicken or shrimp when ready to serve.
- gazpacho: Mix fresh tomatoes with cucumber, a jalapeno, a slice of crumbled bread, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Blend and chill for a refreshing and elegant picnic treat.
- charcuterie platter: Choose a variety of quality cold cuts, such as salami, ham and prosciutto, olives and cheeses such as aged cheddar, provolone and shavings of Parmesan. Add a French baguette and good red wine and you’re all set!
- sorbet: Purchase your favourite fruit sorbet (or make it yourself) and place in a Thermos that has been cooled in the freezer. When it’s time to serve, add a splash of champagne to sorbet.
