Picnics aren't a modern invention, and even in Greek and Roman times, it was customary to gather outdoors to feast during holidays, especially religious ones. Today, a well-organized picnic requires three things: choosing the right location, the right company, and recipes that can make the day unforgettable, including the food. But above all, a picnic needs to be experienced sustainably, for example, by avoiding waste as much as possible and keeping in mind the rules of good health. collection.
Index of topics
Origins of the picnic
The term “picnic” (or rather, pique-nique) appears for the first time in France in the 17th century, in texts such as a Etymological dictionary of 1692. It was a compound word from:
- piquer = “to nibble” or “to taste”
- nique = “a thing of little importance”
The idea was to eat small, informal meals shared with others. Initially, these were indoor meals brought from home, often eaten after cultural events like theater performances.
In the 19th century, especially in England, picnics took on their current form: outdoor meals, often in the countryside or parks. With the rise of the bourgeoisie and the romantic influence of nature, picnics became a symbol of relaxation and leisure, a theme they still retain today.
Choosing the right place
There are several options: a park, a beach, a mountain, or even your own backyard. Look for a spot with some shade (perhaps in parks and tree-lined areas), where restrooms aren't too far away (the same goes for a water fountain), and where you won't be swarmed by insects. Don't force it: picnicking isn't possible everywhere there's green space, and in some areas it's expressly prohibited.
The right company
Not all of us are equipped with the right spirit to participate in a picnic. It is a simple, informal, cheerful outing, in direct contact with nature: those who love formalities are not a good companion for a picnic. Unlike those who are ready to face the challenge with... lightness even some possible inconveniences.
What to bring
One of the first things to do is compile a packing list. Whether the picnic is in the garden, a park, or the beach, the essentials will always be the same. Let's take a closer look.
- Un large basket We'll place all the tableware in this area: plates, glasses, cutlery, bottle openers, cloth tablecloths and napkins, tablecloths, containers, and salad spoons—enough for each diner. It's best to always avoid disposable items in favor of washable and reusable ones.
- An thermal bag in which to place drinks and foods that need to be kept cool
- Qualche plastic bag for separate waste collection
- Qualche container plus for storage and save leftovers
The equipment
Don't overdo the picnic gear, and choose it based on the temperature and the location you've chosen for your trip. The following are useful:
- A tarp with a waterproof bottom to prevent it from getting wet when in contact with the surface, especially damp grass
- A small table also equipped with chairs
- The hammock if you are among the trees and maybe you want to regenerate yourself with the Forest Bathing, the forest bathing of Japanese origin that has also become very popular in Western countries.
Picnic with children
If your picnic includes children, you should take this into account, both when choosing the location and when selecting the items to bring and the menu. Among the items, for example, games are a must, even simple ones, perhaps using cards. But the most fun games to include at a picnic with children are the classic and simple pastimes enjoyed with the little ones: from treasure hunts to the eternal capture-the-flag game. If you include balls and soccer balls among the games, always be careful not to disturb, even unintentionally, your picnic neighbors.
Picnic Recipes
What are the best foods for a picnic? Classic menus include salads (including pasta), frittatas, sandwiches, and pre-sliced fresh fruit. And plenty of bread, perhaps homemade, to accompany cured meats and cheeses. But let's take a closer look at some unmissable recipes, including some that aren't traditional.
First courses for the picnic
Between cheeses and pasta frittatas, you'll be spoiled for choice.
Homemade feta
The famous Greek cheese with an unmistakable flavour, the Feta It is the ideal ingredient for many healthy and nutritious summer recipes, starting with salads.
Pasta omelette
Healthy and simple to make. Pasta frittata It's a picnic classic. If cut into small cubes, it can also be enjoyed as a delicious appetizer.
Savory pie with chicory
An original and tasty dish that also allows you to use up leftover cheeses and cured meats. Perfect for picnics in the garden or at the park with the kids.
Risottos
The conductor itself can take various shapes, in bare or tinned copper, with or without insulation. In some cases, a preferential bend can also be applied to the joint so that it operates exactly as designed. rice salads They are a very popular one-dish meal during picnics: they can be made with any type of ingredient to suit everyone's tastes.
Vegetarian lasagna
A healthy and tasty dish that can be prepared without a pasta machine. It's also a great way to use up leftover vegetables and cheese.
Recipes with artichokes
Il artichoke It is a precious ingredient for preparing simple first coursesIt is also a very versatile food in the kitchen, perfect for use in many delicious recipes.
Second course recipes for picnics
Quinoa with chickpeas and rice
A delicious one-dish meal which is also vegan e gluten free, to bring to a cheerful and fun picnic, tasty and original to satisfy everyone's palates.
Vegetable burgers
A simple and tasty dish, which can be prepared healthily with legumes and vegetables, to bring to the table to satisfy everyone's tastes.
Meatballs in tomato sauce
A quick and easy dish to prepare, a hit with both adults and children. A simple recipe with leftover pieces of meat, sesame seeds, and breadcrumbs.
Sweet recipes for the picnic
Sweet plumcake
I plumcake They're perfect picnic desserts because they can be sliced before transport without breaking, don't crumble, and can be enjoyed by everyone. The recipes are also vegan and gluten-free.
Sweet and savory muffins
Also muffin With their soft consistency and small size, they are perfect for serving at a picnic: many recipes to make them with every type of recipe, vegan, traditional and gluten free to make all the palates of the diners happy
Recipes with strawberries
Irresistible, fragrant and rich in nutritional properties, the strawberries They are one of the fruits most loved by children and also the ideal ingredient for the preparation of many tasty desserts.
Picnic at home
A fun and practical picnic can be organized even from home. Outdoor spaces, even a simple balcony, are ideal, but you can also organize one indoors. The key is not to be formal, not to overdo the food, and to choose simple, authentic dishes. Give guests the opportunity to stand, move around, and feel comfortable. A picnic at home, in its dynamics, closely resembles hosting a brunch.
Romantic picnic
If you want to impress the person you love with a romantic picnic, there are three things to keep in mind. Choose the best day: when there's the full moon or when the sky is particularly starry. Secondly, the place you go shouldn't be too crowded, but rather secluded and quiet. Try to play on the element of surprise. Finally, don't forget good background music and good wine.
Zero waste picnic
This is a masterpiece of a sustainable picnic. It's not impossible, as long as you pay attention to a few simple but important things.
- Reusable water bottles: used glass bottles or stainless steel, which maintain the temperature and are easy to wash.
- Food containersReplace disposable containers with reusable glass, steel, or hard plastic ones. You can use compartmentalized containers to separate foods.
- Reusable cups and plates: cup and plate holders in melamine, bamboo, steel or ceramic, which are long-lasting and resistant.
- Avoid cling film or aluminum foil: You can use reusable lids, snap-top containers, or beeswax wraps (like beeswax wraps, which are a great eco-friendly alternative).
- Reusable cutlery, cup and napkin holderThere are bamboo or stainless steel sets that are easy to carry. If you want to minimize bulk, you can also use titanium or durable plastic ones.
- Zero waste picnic bagUse a washable cloth or blanket to sit on. They can be made of cotton, linen, or natural materials that are easy to wash.
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Cover photo by Kateryna Hliznitsova on Unsplash
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