Aging Support Group

Clouds floating by, sunny days, ssand in between toes, kite flying, swimming, boating, fishing, badmitten, volly ball, gentle breezes, a variety of colors on a blue and green background, sunscreen, mosquito spray, calimine lotion, sunhats,bathing suits, towels, sand pail and shovel, collecting shells, grilling, visiting, and many more.

We're all ready for summer fun. A trip to the beach or the countryside wouldn't be complete without a picnic. No matter what the setting, a picnic meal can be either high calorie, or it can be an opportunity to serve interesting, healthy foods.

Picnic food can include just about anything. With modern coolers, refrigeration isn't a problem. There are, however, some food safety tips that must be followed. Food should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If the day is hot, the time would be shorter. Hand washing before meals is just as important outdoors as in, so if running water isn't available, carry along a wash up kit of sanitizing wipes and make sure to clean your hands. And when you're done with your meal, a rule to follow is to leave nothing but footprints at your picnic site. Plan to carry trash out with you to be disposed of where animals and insects won't be attracted to it.

When planning your menu, keep a few things in mind. The food served shouldn't be messy or drippy to eat, and it shouldn't be anything that will stain clothing if dropped. So forget the pickled beets and juicy deli sandwiches for this meal. You want food that is easy to eat and doesn't require much in the way of utensils. Everything should be prepared ahead of time so, the cook can enjoy the meal and the company.

Do you have ideas for a picnic lunch?

I like wraps and chips.

Post edited by: Nevayda, at: 06/26/2011 02:54 PM