July 15, 2022
Summer Picnics with Kinnari
Growing up, my family had a lot of picnics during our summer holidays. They were elaborate affairs where my extended family (lots of cousins) would get together. My mom and aunts would spend mornings in the kitchen making samosas, finger sandwiches, warm chai (milky spiced tea), pastries and cakes to take to a lake side picnic. The adults would lay around on a picnic blanket while the kids would play for hours collecting flowers and rocks. We would then stuff ourselves silly on all of the delicious picnic food.
For me, summer picnics always signify the start of summer days. However, as a working mom I don't have as much time to make elaborate meals for our picnics. But just because they aren't big, elaborate meals doesn't mean they are any less special. I have come up with a simple easy formula using a few pantry basics to create the perfect memorable picnic.
Sandwiches without crust: there is something about crustless sandwiches cut into little squares that make them extra special and perfect for tiny little hands. The best part of these sandwiches is they can be made from simple pantry and fridge ingredients:
- Cucumber and cream cheese on sour dough bread
- Hummus and Tomato on wholewheat bread
- Prosciutto and swiss cheese on french baguette
- Smoked Salmon with chives and cream cheese on bagels
Seasonal Fruit: I can get my son to eat the most amount of fruit outdoors. Something about chilled summer fruit eaten outside with grubby little hands makes for a perfect activity. Some of our favorite fruits to pack are:
- Seasonal Berries like strawberries, blueberries and raspberries
- Melons like watermelons and cantaloupes
Cheese, Crackers and Nuts: These help to make the outdoor meal time stretch out. We always seem to gobble up the sandwiches and fruit and then munch on the crackers and cheese for several hours. I find that its best to bring a few types of cheese:
- Pepper Jack
- Cheddar ( kid favorite)
- Gouda
- Crackers
- Hard pretzels
- Mixed nuts like almonds, cashews and pistachios
Dessert: What's a picnic without a little something sweet?
- Milk chocolate candy bar
- Dark chocolate candy bar with almonds
Refreshing Drinks: We can't forget the sparkling drinks for parents and kids alike:
- Sparkling Pink Lemonade
- Sparkling Rosé Wine
We would love to see your family picnics and what you pack in your baskets! Make sure to tag us on Instagram @lalikids