Picnic Tips and Tricks

The most difficult task of a picnic is remembering everything. Make a list on the computer of everything you might need for a picnic. Then as you pack, check off the items that you really need. Save the list for the next picnic or camping trip. When you return, add items that you wished you had taken. Eventually, you'll have the perfect list for your family.

? Everyone likes to lounge on a picnic blanket but sometimes the ground is wet. Bring along a plastic tarp to put underneath the blanket. The tarp will last many years if kept out of the sunlight and can be hosed clean at home if needed.

? Pick your picnic spot strategically. If mosquitoes are a problem, choose a higher, drier spot that is in full sun and exposed to a breeze-mosquitoes have trouble in the wind and don't like heat. On the other hand, if staying warm is a problem, choose a spot exposed to the sun and protected from cool breezes. If it's hot, pick a spot that will be in the cool of the shade in the hottest part of the afternoon.

? Think safety. If you have kids along, make sure there are no hazards nearby: busy roads, deep water, or cliffs.

? Don't forget the tablecloth. Inexpensive plastic coated ones make great picnic equipment, especially with kids.

? Speaking of kids, don't forget paper towels for those spills and cleaning wipes to cleanse dirty hands and faces. Put a dry towel and a wet washcloth on your list. Stick the wet washcloth in zip-type plastic bag.

? Bring plenty of liquids. Active kids playing in the hot sun need to be reminded to drink. Water is the best hydrator but consider juices and slushes. Try mixing soda pop with juice-half juice and half soda or try freezing punches or juices to a slush to take along in the cooler.

? Include fruit in your picnic basket. It keeps well, it's nourishing, and it's refreshing. Often fruit satisfies a craving for something sweeter. Add fruits and fruit pieces to green salads and turkey or chicken salads.

? Bring along a cutting board and a couple good knives. You'll be surprised how often you will use them. Cutting boards are especially useful if you are without a picnic table. The hard plastic types are great for picnics. For cleanup, just stick the cutting board in the dishwasher when you get home.

? Perishable foods must be kept cold. Bacteria grow best above forty degrees and it takes plenty of ice in a cooler to keep foods below forty degrees. Perishable foods should only be allowed to remain above forty degrees for a couple hours.

? Stick a first aid kit in the car and leave it there all summer. If you have kids, chances are you will need it. Likewise, keep sunscreen and calamine lotion in the car.

? In the heat of the summer, be prepared for a summer thunderstorm. Know the rules of lightning safety. Be prepared to retreat to a place of shelter. Waiting out a summer storm is much more pleasant with a few good books or a game the family enjoys.

? If you are going into the mountains or woods-off the beaten track-be sure that someone you trust knows where you are going and when you plan to return. Remember that you may not be able to use your cell phone in more remote areas or in the mountains.

Dennis Weaver is the general manager at The Prepared Pantry (http://www.preparedpantry.com) with recipes, ideas, and the best selection of mixes and ingredients. Visit the free Bakers' Library for more articles like this, free baking guides, and tested recipes.

---

Barbequing, a Fun and Convenient Way to Make Dinner

"There's nothing more enjoyable than having friends and family gathered... Read More

Food Poisoning--An Overview

What is Food Poisoning?Food poisoning results when you eat food... Read More

Cookware ? Whats In It?

Have you ever wanted to buy new cookware but didn't... Read More

Why do We Need to Knead?

Bread dough needs to be elastic in order to capture... Read More

The Perfect Omelet(te), How to Cook It

Omelet(te)sThey're easy to cook, right?We'll see.The first thing to remember... Read More

Storing Fats and Oils

The human body requires the intake of six types of... Read More

Save Money ? The Crock Way

Saving money ? is something we would all like to... Read More

Chinese Cooking Technique: Thicken

"Thicken", or "Thickening" is a very common technique used in... Read More

Grill Your Corn for Maximum Flavor

There's two basic theories on grilling corn. Some people prefer... Read More

Picnic Tips and Tricks

The most difficult task of a picnic is remembering everything.... Read More

The Best-Kept Secrets of Beef Revealed! Get Ready to Become the Meat Expert in Your Family!

Do you helplessly stand at the meat counter looking from... Read More

Cut The Take Out

A long hard day at work. You get home and... Read More

Grilling Tips ? Safety Comes First at the Barbecue

You're standing at the gas grill in the hot sun,... Read More

Cooking With Kids--Safely!

School's out! And summer is a good time to introduce... Read More

Cool Summertime Cooking

Summertime--and the living is easy! But the kitchen is hot!!... Read More

Picnic Checklist

In the previous article, we suggested that you start a... Read More

How to Care for Your Cast Iron Skillet (includes recipes)

Some of the best meals I've ever eaten were made... Read More

Using Bread Machine Mixes in Your Oven

You don't have to own a bread machine to enjoy... Read More

Hot Apple Pie - The American Apple Pie Legacy

While each country might have its own preferred style, "American... Read More

Cooking -- What You Need To Know

From ancient times till the nineteenth century cooking was basically... Read More

Once-A-Month-Cooking: How to Make Your Plan Work

As one of the oldest children in a family of... Read More

Do you own an AGA or RAYBURN cooker ?

The Cooker-rail....This is a novel way of increasing the drying... Read More

How to Make a Cajun Roux

The process of preparing Cajun food is in no way... Read More

Foods That Freeze Well

"Can I freeze it?" is a question often asked in... Read More

Working with Eggs

Bad eggs are rare but they do occur. Crack eggs... Read More

Flax Seed Will Add A Little Extra Flavor To Your Recipes

Flax seed will add a pleasant nutty taste to any... Read More

Vegetarian Cooking - Three Basics

For any of the many reasons people choose to eat... Read More

About Baking: Eight Tips for Perfect Pancakes

Pancakes are easy and almost foolproof. But there are some... Read More

Gourmet Sauces, Rubs and Marinades - Give Your BBQ a Gourmet Kick

Many individuals agree that the sauce on barbecued meat is... Read More

10 Easy Ways To Protect Your Family From Food Poisoning

Do you realize the many ways that bacteria can contaminate... Read More

What?s the Thick on Roux? Thickening Soups and Sauces

Soups and sauces can be thickened in a variety of... Read More

10 Simple Kitchen Organizing Tips

A lot of the times we mean to get in... Read More

Secret of Light and Fluffy Biscuits and Pancakes

Would you like to lose some weight -- in your... Read More