Happy Holiday Picnicking

I guess it is no surprise that July 4th is the single most popular day of the year to picnic. And, I imagine there are as many unique places to picnic and menu items as there are picnickers.

Check out an interesting article on this topic a friend discovered on the web. It's from Guardian.co.uk and the subtitle is: “In a boat, in the nude, with cold chicken, warm bananas, McKnightley or Mole…” I bet that got your attention! Simply google the title, 10 Best Literary Picnics.

Now, both my planned picnic destination and menu for the 4th seem especially traditional. I will be at the home of a family member and the menu will most likely consist of grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, salads and other sides including the mandatory Shady Glen Cole slaw, chips, and of course something decadent for dessert. One thing is certain: it will be both simple and casual. Since there have been a fair amount of family functions recently everyone is looking forward to a low-key, relaxing day.

I hope that wherever you picnic this weekend and whatever you decide to pack in your picnic basket, the day will be filled with joy and meaning.

All About Picnics

Although I enjoy picnicking at any time of year, I join the throngs of people who picnic more in July than other months. I suppose it is because July is the first full month of summer, school is out, vacations begin and the most popular single day for picnicking falls in this month, July 4th. No wonder someone thought to designate July as National Picnic Month.

During my various talks throughout Connecticut, people sometimes ask about the origin of picnicking and are surprised to learn that the custom dates back to France and shortly thereafter in England in the 17th century where feasts were moved outdoors to coincide with a planned activity, such as shooting parties, fox hunts, sporting event, or garden parties. Mostly formal affairs, I visualize servants carrying large hampers of delicacies to the designated destination. In the mid-1800's picnicking slowly began to take on an informality where each invited guest brought a food item to share.

Today, we call this a pot luck picnic. I planned such an event with a group of friends for a day later this month at Elizabeth Park in Hartford. Hopefully, we have timed it so the roses are in full bloom. (www.elizabethpark.org) I love the idea of an authentic pot luck picnic as opposed to our holiday pot luck where we sign up ahead of time with our food contribution. For our summer pot luck picnic no one knows what the others are bringing. So, we take the risk that we might end up with 8 cheese and cracker appetizers, 8 meat loafs, or 8 desserts (I should be so lucky!) What fun it is to see the delicious delicacies that end up on the picnic table, and to ultimately enjoy a versatile and well-balanced luncheon every time.

Are you ready for picnic season? Have you taken your picnic bag or basket out of storage and checked for any missing items? Is it time to jog to the discount store and restock? Just think picnic and you will be amazed at how easy it is to put together an informal pot luck picnic with friends and family in the great outdoors.

To get you in the mood to find the perfect place, check out the collection of photos I took at various picnic areas around the state. Go to http://www.cruisingconnecticut.com/ and click on Photos on the left.

May all your picnics be perfect!

July is National Picnic Month

The eternal optimist in me believes that the weather for the rest of July will live up to our expectations so that we can finally enjoy some serious picnicking.

This month, I am offering my blog readers a special discount for mail orders for Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket. Just go to my website (http://www.cruisingconnecticut.com/) during July, print out the order form and write at the top "SPECIAL BLOG PRICE." Next,
change the retail price of $15.95 to $12.00, add tax of 72 cents plus the normal S&H charge and mail with a check for $14.22 to the address on the form.

Orders will be filled immediately and sent media mail to arrive in approximately 4-5 business days. You will then be treated to 42 exciting and diverse day trips throughout Connecticut, all with picnicking facilities plus easy and delicious recipes.

Whether or not you order Cruising Connecticut, please enjoy this recipe from my book in honor of National Picnic Month.

Blue Broccoli
1-1/2 lbs. broccoli
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced rings
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 cup bleu cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts, if desired

* Rinse broccoli and cut off stems leaving only the florets. Cook in microwave on high for 2-4 minutes, or in saucepan with a little water just until fork tender. Don't overcook. Rinse thoroughly in cold water to halt cooking and retain the bright green color. Drain well.
* Place in bowl. Add onion.
* Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, and lemon juice together and add to broccoli. Fold in bleu cheese and walnuts. Chill.
Serves 4-6

May all your picnics be perfect!