Out & About Summer 2021

Pack up a Picnic W ho doesn’t love a picnic? Packing up the sandwiches in sandwiches is not always welcome and those pesky wasps can sometimes get in the way.

and strawberries, putting in a bottle or two, shaking out the rug and finding a nice quiet spot to sit and soak up the sun’s rays while indulging in all your favourite treats. Well, that’s the ideal – the reality isn’t always quite as rosy – the weather doesn’t always do as it’s told, the sand

But when all’s said and done, a picnic is a fun family activi- ty, which you can enjoy even in your own back garden. We’ve selected some picnic paraphernalia to brighten things up and how about themed picnics? We’ve got a few suggestions.

The sun may not be quite as warm as we’d like, but how about filling up the hamper with goodies from Greece, Spain and Ita- ly? Plenty of cured meat and olives, vegetables with dips, pitta bread, focaccia, some fabulous cheeses and, of course, fresh fruit. A bottle of sparkling water and maybe some red wine and you can pretend you’re sitting in the olive groves. Taste of the Mediterranean

Caribbean style

Barbecue flavours can infuse your food with that Caribbean vibe – chicken wings, shrimp, bean salads and rice, with some tropical fruits such as pineapple and mango, provide the right vibes. Add a cold beer and imagine lying under the palm trees, listening to the waves wash against the shore.

The quintessential British picnic A variety of sandwiches – from good old cheese and tomato to egg, smoked salmon and ham and pickle. You’ll have to have a few bags of crisps to hand, sausage rolls and scotch eggs. Follow it up with some cake and biscuits, as well as a bowl of strawberries. Maybe even turn it into a cream tea - scones with jam and cream. Don’t forget the squash, the flask of tea and maybe some Pimm’s. Pack sushi, spicy prawns, lychee, and kombucha – and you’ll be transported to the sights and sounds of the Far East. Asian infusion

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O&A SUMMER 2021