Picnic Checklist

In the previous article, we suggested that you start a picnic checklist, improve it over time, and keep it handy for picnic prep. Here's a list to get you started. Scratch out the items you don't need and add others until you have the perfect list for your family. If you keep the list on your computer, you can print out a new copy whenever you need it.

We suggest keeping picnic and camping items in large containers in the corner of your garage where you can grab them in a moment and be ready for an outing.

* Cooler

* Ice for cooler (we prefer those "blue ice" blocks that can be frozen in the freezer and reused)

* Eating and serving utensils

* Tablecloth or picnic blanket

* Cutting board and two sharp knives-a serrated knife for bread and a paring knife to cut vegetables and other foods

* Napkins and paper towels

* Cleaning wipes

* Moist washcloth in a zipper-type plastic bag

* Hand towel

* Seasonings (we keep a small plastic tub filled with seasonings plus salt and pepper)

* Sugar

* Condiments

* Vegetable oil for cooking

* Grill and propane or charcoal and fire starter

* Cooking pans and utensils

* Camping stove if you use one

* Drinking water

* Beverages

* A good book and family games with which to wait out a summer storm

* Repair kit (we keep a tiny repair kit with a strip of duct tape, a sewing kit, a small pocket knife, and a length of pliable wire)

* Matches

* Flashlight

* Can opener

* Insect repellant

* Sunscreen

* Calamine lotion

* First aid kit

* Roll of aluminum foil

* Trash bags for refuge

* Camera

* Bathing suit

* Folding chairs

* Map

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.

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Make It With Mint

It wouldn't be summer without fresh mint in pots on... Read More

Unique Cake Decorating With Flowers

Flowers as a Cake Decoration, unique and easy to place... Read More

Cut The Take Out

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

How to Make a Cajun Roux

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

Herbs and Spices - the Essence of Flavor

In any number of cookbooks and recipes you will find... Read More

What is a Serving Size?

Have you ever wondered how much a serving really is.... Read More

Buying, Storing, and Preparing Apples

When buying apples, look for those that are firm and... Read More

Emergency Bread: Can you Bake Bread Without an Oven?

What would you eat if you were stranded without power?... Read More

How to cut a cake

Have you ever wondered how to cut a cake? I... 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 Wide Open Tips For Food Safety In The Great Outdoors

Hiking, camping, and boating are good activities for active people... Read More

How to Make Sandwich Rolls with Your Bread Machine

For that next picnic or family outing, consider making sandwich... Read More

What Are Scoville Units?

To understand what a Scoville Unit is, one must understand... Read More

Moms Easy Cooking - Fast Meal Ideas For Busy Moms

Every busy mom worries about how to prepare fast, nutritious... Read More

The Noble Crescent Roll - How to Roll a Masterpiece

Ahhh?the noble crescent roll. In some forms it has its... Read More

Two for One Dinners: Turkey

If you find leftovers boring, uninviting or downright "yuck," then... Read More

Do you own an AGA or RAYBURN cooker ?

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

Two for One Dinners: Beans

If you find leftovers boring, uninviting or downright "yuck," then... Read More

10 Convenient Ways To Eliminate Food Poisoning With Your Microwave

Microwave ovens can play an important role at mealtime, but... Read More

What You Need in a Gourmet Kitchen

The best way to decide what you need in your... Read More

Two for One Dinners: Pork

If you find leftovers boring, uninviting or downright "yuck," then... Read More

Cake Baking Tip Guide

Successful cake decorating is all about preparation. Baking and preparing... Read More

How to Bake: Muffins (with recipes)

Muffins are a mainstay around our house. They are as... Read More

10 Easy Ways To Protect Your Family From Food Poisoning

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

Cake Pans

Cake pans?.the secret behind every successful cake. My husband tells... Read More

Picture Perfect Bread

The secret-at least most of it-is in the rise. The... Read More

Dutch Oven Cooking Basics

Pioneer CookingWhen you think of a cast iron Dutch oven,... Read More

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

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

Homemade Whipped Cream

Most grocery stores carry cans of whipping cream ready to... Read More

Fine Tuning Bread Machine Mixes

Sometimes bread machines can be tricky. We were trying to... Read More

High Altitude Baking - A Cooks Guide

High altitude baking can be a real adventure for the... Read More

Modifying Your Recipes, More or Less

You just found that great recipe that you have been... Read More

How to Bake: Bread on the Grill

One of the slickest tricks we know is baking bread... Read More