What are your best picnic ideas?

[MilaMae]

So we had our 1st picnic of the year yesterday-peanut butter sandwiches all round

I'm obviously out of practice but even at best I find it hard to make picnics that are interesting and yummy for adults as will as kids.

Was wondering what other people's favourite picnic food is to get me inspired.

With 3 dc and the credit crunch I can see foresee many picnics during the coming months.

Also those of you that go to France a lot what do you have on a picnic there other than the normal bread and cheese?

Many thanks

chicken drumsticks
kids love cocktail sausages
crisps
we're not very sophiscated but at 4 and 2 the kids on't mind

Briliant idea from Rachel Allen.
Take one white sandwich loaf and cut alid in to the top leaving a hinge.
Open up and cut out the bread in the middle, to cut the bottom just cut into the base.
Take out the middle and slice to make into cute little finger sandwiches, hummous and gratted carrot, smoked salmon and cream cheese, ham and mustard etc
Put back into your box, its a great suprise for the kids it stops the sandwiches inside drying out and the hungry teens can eat the box with some dips.

Sorry can't remeber which Rachel Allen book it was in.
Oh and mini quiches go down well, and a tupperware box with a chopped salad/coleslaw everyone can eat with a fork from. Then who needs plates.

Not a food thing but... we got a NT membership and one of those picnic hampers that looks like a rucksack (and has all the cutlery and crockery packed inside). Best 2 things ever!

1, go to M&S
2, buy cocktail sausages, french loaf, grapes
3, eat.

that's it chez nous!

No clearing up, everyone happy

Message withdrawn

Takes a bit of planning but I make bread dough as normal. Let it rise. Roll it out to a rough oval shape.

Spread sun dried tomato paste in centre. Then chop some mozzarella and put a line of it down the centre of the dough. Rip some basil over the cheese, then rip some palma ham (or any ham) over that. I put a couple of hard boiled eggs in now and then put more mozzarella, basil and ham.

Now close it up by taking the dough from one side and cover the top, then do the same with the other side and close up the ends.

Put on baking tray and bake for approx 20/25 mins.

I slice it when it comes out and then wrap tightly in foil and take it out to the picnic. It stays warm for a while and the dc are very happy for something warm.

You can try differernt fillings, depends what you like

Stirling Can I come to yur next picnic?

Sure can! The more the merrier, although you may have to fight the dc for the food!

we could bring sandwiches (cheese&tomato or sardine with ketchup or peanut butter?) and crudites with cream cheese and a tube-feed for brat No 3!

can you get to Stirling next sunny day? (That could be some time away!)

Sorry, you're about 6 hours away...I do have the accent but now live in Sassenach country

Aaah, I don't have the accent. I am from the sassenach country!! Been here for 8 yrs though.

hot picnics go down well with children, Bacon rolls with tomato ( Bacon, scrambled egg and tomato in vacuum food jar) Chicken casserole and rice is good too

Thanks all- some great ideas (licking lips emoticon)

We once took BBQ leftovers with us and it was so sucessful that I often plan a BBQ the day before a picnic. Sausages, chicken drumsticks etc can all be eaten cold.

Another idea is to make puff pastry envelopes (you can cheat by buying the ready made pastry squares) filling them with smoked salmon, cream cheese and dill. or chicken tomatoes and herbs, or whatever else takes your fancy. Pop them in the oven for a couple of minutes (you can do them the day before).

I often make extra scones and freeze them for taking on a picnic. Mini bite-sized ones.

Damn, why did I throw away the last buggy.

savoury flapjacks?

sausage rolls
mini pork pies
falafel & salad in pitta bread