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Suggestions for packing the perfect fall picnic
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Published: October 8, 2009
My favorite time of the year has arrived — autumn. Beautiful scenery, cooler days, fresh local foods and a time to be thankful for family and friends. What better time than now to plan a picnic — either in the North Carolina mountains or at any nearby park?
You can use the time to enjoy the company of family and friends while savoring fresh, autumnal foods in a peaceful setting. For, as you may know, the environment in which you eat plays a lot into how well you eat and how much anxiety you bring to the table.
Any effort you can make to create a safe, relaxed setting at mealtime will increase your chances of listening to your true hunger and satiety. It will also decrease the chances of disordered eating (i.e. undereating, overeating or simply making poor food choices).
So, by pulling all these things together, you can create quite a festive fall event.
If you are in charge of the picnic food, here are some simple, family-friendly ideas that transport well.
Remember to keep cool foods in a cooler and do not leave perishable foods out at room temperature longer than two hours:
First course/appetizer — Whole grain crackers or baguette and cheese. Select high quality, flavorful cheese so a little goes a long way. Consider cheeses from your local farmers market, too. Balance this course with fresh fruit such as grapes, figs or mountain apples. Alternatively, serve apple butter instead of cheese.
Roasted vegetables and fruits can be served in a cold prepared salad or pureed into a dip or sandwich spread that even kids love. Mix cubed butternut squash, onion, apples and garlic in a baking dish with a little canola oil, cinnamon, sugar and salt and roast at 400 degrees for about 20-30 minutes. Cool and pack up.
Prepared chicken salad is a favorite that transports well. Make with poached or canned chicken breast meat, chopped walnuts, lowfat mayonnaise, celery and grapes. Serve alone or atop lettuce. You can also put it into a pita or wrap or on whole grain bread if you prefer. Just balance the grains based on whether you are having bread or crackers at the first course.
Sparkling water or regular water is easy to transport and does not require refrigeration. Plus, they do not have added sugars or artificial ingredients. Best of all, they are great for staying hydrated, especially if you or the kids do any hiking or active playing while on your trip.
Homemade oatmeal raisin cookies (use dried cranberries if you don't like raisins) are a sweet finish to the picnic meal.
Most importantly, enjoy some wholesome food in the company of family and friends on a beautiful autumn day.
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