It was International Picnic Day yesterday! I know, I could barely stand the excitement either. It’s always held on June 18th which seems a little silly as it means it’s usually during the week! Who thought it was a good idea having a Picnic Day during the week? It should always be at the weekend when I can head out to the coast with some wine and great food and relax in the sun. Instead, I was in the office with a rather disappointing sandwich and no wine in sight.
But enough self-pitying, some of you fine people are on holiday and no doubt wondering what to put in your picnic hamper. Well let’s see if I can give you some ideas, but first, where did International Picnic Day come from?
Developed to create a worldwide picnic festival, it draws on the origins of Victorian outdoor dining when groups would head to the countryside to relax and chat. A typical menu would include salmon, pigeon pie, fruit, cheeses, Scotch eggs, chicken, and lamb.
But what about today? And what do other nationalities put in their picnic baskets?
UK
If you’re in the UK, the standard fare used to be pork pies, sandwiches, sausage rolls, sausage rolls, and Pimms. However, in recent years we’ve become much more food orientated and now draw on culinary influences from around the world. Mexican has taken off big time, and Spanish food is becoming more popular too. So what picnic ideas can we draw from these (and other) cuisines?
Quiches are a common sight these days but can be a little dull. Why not spice things up with a Chorizo & Potato Tortilla? Add some sautéed chorizo, red pepper, shallots, hot paprika, and parsley to your basic recipe and you’ve got a fantastic taste of Spain in 45 minutes.
If you’re into Mexican food, make sure you’ve got some chunky guacamole and a Chicken Mole Torta. It’s a little time consuming to make but you’ll thank me for it. The addition of fresh jalapenos and tomatillo salsa really brings out the rich, deep flavours found in the mole sauce.
As a side dish, grill some corn on the cob until it starts to blacken, scrape it into a bowl and add lime juice and chopped coriander and chilli for a really fresh taste of Mexico.
Great Picnic Locations
- Lake District
- Pembrokeshire Coast
- Isle of Wight
- Norfolk Broads
- Hyde Park
Portugal
If you’re on holiday in Portugal, explore the markets for some wonderful, fresh produce. Get a good selection of cured meats such as chorizo, linguniça, or some Alheira sausages. Some good cheeses to consider include queijo da Serra and cabreiro (similar to Feta). Get a selection of pickles, quince jam, and some fresh bread and you’ve got a feast on your hands.
Fancy something traditional, why not have a go at making an Escabeche? This method involves pickling (or sometimes frying) fish or meat such as chicken. Some recipes call for the meat to be seared first but it’s entirely up to you.
If you’re feeling more creative, you could create your own Piri Piri Chicken or some Port & Paprika Chicken. The Port & Paprika Chicken really does give an authentic taste of Portugal with garlic and coriander really coming through strongly whilst the Port also provides an extra option when it comes to choosing a drink to accompany the picnic! Don’t forget the vinho verde though.
Great Picnic Locations
- Serra de Monchique
- Sagres
- Silves
- Sintra
- Parque Natural do Alvão
Italy
Let’s go classic here with a simple Panino (NOT Panini). Choose from salami, cheese, olives, sun dried tomatoes, Parma ham, basil, or anchovies to create the Godfather of all sandwiches.
If you prefer pizza, why not make a classic Quattro Formaggi with fontina, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Gorgonzola. Or how about a simple bruschetta rubbed with garlic and topped with sautéed cherry tomatoes, chilli, and basil?
If you’re feeling adventurous (or lucky) then Arancini are the way forward. These balls of Sicilian heaven are a sod to make but get it right and you’ll be the most popular person in the world. Choose your favourite (day old) risotto, roll it into balls around a cube of mozzarella, dip in breadcrumbs, and deep fry until golden. What could be simpler?
Well these actually, mix up a simple mozzarella salad with peas, broad beans, mint, lemon, and olive oil for an authentic taste of Italy. Alternatively, a salad of cold roasted peppers and garlic is sublime on a hot day with a glass of chilled wine. Oh, and don’t forget the focaccia!
Great Picnic Locations
- Sant’Elena Gardens, Venice
- Tuscany
- The Trevelyan Garden, Sicily
- Villa Borghese, Rome
- Dolomites
Spain
Let’s face it, when it comes to Spanish cuisine we tend to think tapas or Paella. Here we’ll concentrate on tapas. An easy favourite is Chorizo & Manchego cocktail sticks, sauté the chorizo with some garlic before stabbing it and a cube of Manchego with the cocktail stick. Easy.
For an authentic taste of Spain, try a Tortilla de Patatas. Simple and delicious, this potato and onion omelette is a firm favourite with many Spaniards. Serve with slices of Iberico ham, rustic bread, and maybe a glass of Rioja.
If you’re an artichoke fan, be sure to try Alcachofas al Ajillo. Sautee garlic in a generous measure of olive oil until it turns golden. Add cherry tomatoes and black pepper and cook before adding a glass of white wine followed by the artichokes.
Whilst shopping for supplies, see if you can track down some Buñuelos de Bacalao (salt cod fritters) which when done well are to die for. Serve with lemon and an aioli for a true taste of the Mediterranean.
Great Picnic Locations
- Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona
- La Mata, Torrevieja
- Montes De Malaga Natural Park
- Istán Lake, Marbella
- El Parque del Buen Retiro, Madrid
Bon appetite!
I hope this has got you in the mood for International Picnic Day, if it hasn’t why not check out our other foodie posts? If you have any other comments or want to recommend a regional speciality, please get in touch below.
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