Domini Kemp runs the itsa chain with her sister Peaches, writes a weekly food column for the Irish Times and has also penned the fabulous itsa Cookbook. Here she tells us how to pack the perfect picnic for lolling around on lazy sunny summer days.
Think practical
I really dislike litter-bugs, so for me investing in a small pack of plastic or wooden plates and cups is ideal. Glass is certainly nicer to drink wine out of, but then again there are some lovely plastic faux wine glasses available and you certainly won’t have to worry about breakages. A big blanket, corkscrew and maybe some handy-wipes (if you want to be super-practical) as well as a little bag for rubbish are a good idea. Sunblock is also a vital ingredient (for our pale Irish skin!). Unless you have a fancy picnic basket with different compartments for everything, I suggest non-breakables. If you bring paper cups and plates, please remember to bring them home and dispose of them properly.
Food to suit everyone
Finger sandwiches and cakes are ideal for afternoon tea picnics. Rice krispy treats and free range roast chicken legs are great for kids. For grown ups, cheese, crackers, bread and wine are perfect. Some fruit and plenty of water all work well.
Avoid a melt down
Things that don't work in warm weather are obviously ice cream, yoghurts, mousses and parfaits. Quiches can get a bit yucky unless there is plenty of cheese in them. Soft cheeses or over-ripe cheese and sliced meats work better if already in a sandwich that's made with rustic bread like sourdough. Salads full of lettuce will just wilt so they are pointless to make. Chocolate is guaranteed to melt, so avoid it on picnic days.
An ice-box or freezer bag works well. But it is pretty impossible to keep things cool if you're outdoors for a few hours. Just make sure that anything you bring has been fully cooked and that you don't leave your picnic in a hot car for a few hours before deciding to eat. Keep ingredients for your picnic basket in the fridge until you leave and then try and eat sooner rather than later when you get to your destination.
Choosing the booze
If you are picnicking in the sun, you can get very tipsy, so be sure to have lots of water to drink! Beer really isn't nice when served luke-warm and neither is white wine or rosé (which is perfect for that holiday feeling). So a cooler packed with ice is vital. A lighter kind of red, like a New Zealand Pinot Noir or bottle of Fleurie from France works well if you fancy red wine. For fruity cocktails, Pimms is the best with plenty of fresh mint, chopped cucumber, apples and oranges.
Tell us what you think
What are your top tips for the perfect picnic? Tell us in a comment.
