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A picnic is a fun outdoor activity to do with your friends and loved ones. If you want to go on one, prior preparation will ensure that everything goes smoothly so that you can have a good, fun time with your loved ones with the right combination of liquor to chill your mood at the picnic.
The type of food and wines you want should come after choosing a location. You're good to go on your adventure when you have everything you need packing in a cooler and basket, and you can always spend a little extra on a themed picnic meal that will enhance your outdoor eating experience.
It's a fantastic boredom killer but encourages family time for sharing meals and entertaining games. To put together your very own, all you need is a picnic basket, a good combination of food with wines, and cooperation from your family. You also need to understand that it strengthens familial ties.
In order to get the perfect picnic arranged, here are a few steps that need to be taken to ensure everything goes as per plan.
Let's get started!
1. Choose Your Location
You should choose the location first because it is important and will influence some of the other details you decide on! The park, the ocean, the mountains, or even your own garden are all options. Further, you can picnic on the lawns of several museums or go somewhere with natural attractions like lakes or rivers.
You must choose your option after doing some research. Make sure there are picnic tables available if you need them.
Keynote: You might want to look for utilities like bathrooms and running water for a better experience.
2. Make A List Of Friends & Family
Invite your parents, siblings, favorite friends, coworkers, classmates, or neighborhood pals. The picnic is likely to be even more enjoyable with more participants.
You might want to plan a small picnic for your family or a large picnic. Make a list of the people you wish to invite after considering the choice of some thought.
- Keep in mind that unless you plan to have a potluck.
- You will need to prepare food for the number of guests you have invited.
- You would bring the full course to a potluck, and everyone else would contribute sides.
Also, consider the location. If you have a large group, ensure there are enough tables for everyone. For a sizable gathering, you might have to make reservations.
3. Essentials For Picnic
If you adore picnics but are unsure what to pack, we've created a picnic checklist to make things easier for you, from essentials like blankets and picnic baskets to extras like pillows for the chairs and portable pizza ovens!
- Picnic Blanket
- Umbrella
- Portable Table
- Melamine Plates
- Wine Bottle Chiller
- Utensils
- Folding Knife and Cutting Board
- Games
- Insect-Repelling Candles
4. Plan For Activities
A picnic generally includes more than just the food. Check out the local games to decide what to bring.
Bring some fun athletic gear with you, such a
- Soccer ball
- Frisbee's
- Badminton
If the park or that particular space doesn't have much of a playground, another option is to bring a board game that is enjoyable to play outside, like Twister. If you're in a natural sanctuary, think about hiking to a picnic area!
5. Perfect Picnic Pairings
We can't say no to a picnic, no matter the season! Especially when there's good food involved. Our preferred picnic foods? Now let's dig into the most important and everyone's favorite part about the picnic.
Looking for tips on combining food and wine? You must know the following! Let's get started and discover easy ways to create a menu with your wine.
a. Cabernet Sauvignon With Grilled Ribeye
Image: iStock
Cabernet Sauvignon pairs superbly with steaks, burgers, lamb, and venison because of its strong fruit flavors and tannins.
Unsure about the cut to choose? With an old-school grilled ribeye, you will not be disappointed.
Ingredients For Grilled Ribeye
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons steak sauce
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons steak seasoning
- 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 4 beef ribeye steaks (8 ounces each)
Directions
- Combine the first nine ingredients in a plastic bag that can be sealed. Add the steaks, pack the bag, and stir to coat in the refrigerator for 4 or more hours.
- Drain steaks and discard marinade. For medium-rare meat, a thermometer should read 145°; for medium, 160°; grill steaks, covered, over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side.
b. Chianti With Mushrooms
Image: Pexels
It's generally tough to go right when combining wine and food when you "think local." Because both the food and the wine have considerable levels of acidity, tomato sauces seasoned with fresh herbs combine beautifully with a glass of Chianti. Additionally, delicious options include steak, veal with mushrooms, and Portobello burgers (for vegetarians).
c. Veal With Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 4 veal cutlets (4 ounces each)
- 1/2 teaspoon canola oil
- 1 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Half a cup of white wine or reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 4 teaspoons of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Directions
- Veal should be cooked in oil in a large nonstick skillet that has recently been cooking spray-coated over medium heat until no longer pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Put the mushrooms, onion, and garlic in the skillet and heat for 5-8 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Stirring to dislodge browned bits from the pan, add wine.
- Stir this smooth flour mixture into the mushroom mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes until thickened. Add parsley, salt, and pepper, and stir.
d. Pinot Noir With Mushroom Beef Stew
Image: Pexels
Pinot noir is available in delicious, fruity, earthy, and even savory forms. Serve your aged pinot noir with earthy foods like a lamb with herb crust or beef stew with mushrooms.
Despite the fact that white wine pairs well with fish most of the time, the next time you dive into a grilled salmon (or tuna) filet, try a light, fruit-forward pinot noir instead—you'll be amazed.
Ingredients
- 1 carton (32 ounces) of beef broth
- 1 ounce dried mixed mushrooms
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 boneless beef chuck roast (2 pounds), cubed
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 pound sliced baby portobello mushrooms
- 5 medium carrots, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Directions
- In a big pot, bring broth and dried mushrooms to a boil. Remove from flame and let mushrooms sit for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are softened.
- In a large sealable plastic bag, combine the flour, salt, and pepper; reserve 1 tablespoon for the sauce. The remaining flour mixture should be added to the steak, a few pieces at a time, and shaken to coat.
- In a Dutch oven, brown beef in oil in stages. Add the onion, carrots, and Portobello mushrooms and cook until the onion is tender. For one minute, cook the dehydrated mushrooms, garlic, and rosemary. The reserved flour mixture should be mixed in well before adding mushroom broth.
- When the meat is cooked, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Stir gently into the pan after mixing cornstarch and water until smooth. For 2 minutes or until thickened, cook and stir after bringing to a boil. If preferred, serve over egg noodles and sprinkle blue cheese on top.
Final Thoughts
Spring and summer are ideal seasons for an outdoor picnic. The great weather and bright sun make eating lunch or dinner outside pleasurable.But if you're unprepared, an outdoor picnic may quickly go from a pleasant outdoor pastime into an unpleasant mess.
Get these recommended summer picnic essentials if you're planning a picnic. Also, don't forget to pack extra sparkling champagne to make your mood even brighter!