Many of us are having Staycations this year, vacations you take at home. Besides looking in your state for national and state parks, interesting towns to visits, or festivals, you can also check your paper or the internet for free summer concerts in the park. I am currently visiting my relatives in Tennessee, and tomorrow night we’re going to a free concert in the park with music by the Symphony Orchestra. It’s been warm here during the day, but at night should be wonderfully pleasant. Hopefully, the fireflies will be lighting the grasses. Today, however, we’re planning our picnic dinner that we’re bringing. Let’s cover some savvy ways to make a wonderful flavorful picnic for little money. With daytime temperatures reaching in the 90’s, food that is cool and light will be welcome choices. Fruit salad is easy to tote in a plastic container. Tomorrow we’re bringing salad of blueberries, strawberries, apple and a small amount of cantaloupe because that is what we have in our refrigerator, but you use whatever you have. Mixed together and served either plain or with a touch of honey, you can’t go wrong. No fruit? Then buy what is in season since this is usually cheaper. Cut the fruit yourself for even more saving. We’re also bringing cold pasta salad. Leftover cooked chicken, pasta, small amounts of veggies, olives and a touch of light mayonnaise or salad dressing make a lovely tasty salad. Or substitute rice for the pasta. You can also use cooked shrimp or ham in place of the chicken. Spice it up with herbs and seasonings and you have a frugal and yummy main course! A baguette of bread and some tea or wine round out the meal.

COLD PASTA SALAD with CHICKEN OR SHRIMP

8 oz. pasta noodles 1 c. French dressing 10 fresh sliced mushrooms 1 c. fresh broccoli florets, blanched 10 halved cherry tomatoes Ripe olives (sliced) 1 can sliced artichoke hearts 2 c. cooked cubed chicken (or boiled shrimp) 1/3 c. fresh basil (or 1 1/2 teaspoon dried) 1/3 c. toasted pine nuts, optional

Cook pasta, transfer to mixing bowl. Add 1/3 of the dressing and toss well. Cool and chill 3 hours. In another bowl, mix mushrooms, broccoli, tomatoes, olives, artichokes with remaining dressing. Chill. Add chicken, basil, nuts. Mix.

Simple sandwiches of pitas stuffed with chicken salad, or even store bought fare works well. Or go for the simply elegant meal of brie cheese, fruit, and french bread. This is always a winner. Simple Tip! For dessert, pack ice cream in a thermos the night before, and freeze overnight. It will stay cold for hours! For pennies, we’ll enjoy a lovely evening out in nature, wonderful music, the company of friends and relatives, and a tasty dinner. Do you have your favorites for your picnic fare? Please share your ideas!

Be Creative with your Picnic Fare

Here are some helpful savvy tips for a fun but safe picnic…

1. Make a list of all the things you need to bring so you don’t forget anything. It’s so disappointing to find you forgot the corkscrew for the wine!
2. Bring a blanket for the ground large enough for all. Inexpensive plastic coated ones make great blankets or covers for picnic tables. It’ll wash right off when you get home.
3. If you’re going to a concert like we are, get there early to reserve your space.
4. Bring chairs if you have trouble sitting on the ground. If you’re going to see a concert or a play, respect your neighbor by not bringing high-sitting lawn chairs. Low sitting beach chairs are low enough to see over and are very comfortable.
5. Pack a picnic basket with reusable plates, silverware, cups, and cloth napkins. Pack your food in reusable containers when you can. Not only is it classy and easier to eat your food, but environmentally friendly.
6. Pack plastic grocery bags to cart the dirty dishes home. I also pack some folded paper towels to wipe up spills.
7. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, anti-allergy medication and prepackaged wet wipes in a ziploc. After applying the creams, use the wet wipes to clean your hands before eating. Small bottles of antibacterial gel also come in handy to clean hands.
8. Pack a citronella candle and matches if it’s mosquito season.
9. Bring sunglasses and a hat if the sun is still shining.
10. To keep your cold foods chilled, use the refreezable ice packs or ice in waterproof bags. Or fill small empty soda bottles with water and freeze the day before. They’ll keep your food cold, and when they melt, you’ll have bottled water.
11. Keep hot foods hot in a thermos. First fill the thermos with boiling water or very hot tap water, let sit for a minute or two, then empty and fill with hot food.
12. If you’re bringing hot take-out food, be sure to eat it within two hours.
13. Save your condiment packs from restaurants to bring for burgers or sandwiches.
14. If you can, pack a small hard plastic cutting board and sharp knife (protected). It’s handy to cut bread, cheese, or fruit. Pack with the dirty dishes and just pop in the dishwasher when you return home.
15. Don’t forget your corkscrew for your wine.
16. Bring plenty of water in hot weather.
17. Bring fun, quiet activities for the kids…toys like bubbles, frisbee, teddy bear, or ball and glove. Be sure their activities don’t disturb the neighbors.
18. Keep an eye on the weather report and the sky for inclement weather. Bring a light jacket or sweater. Even on warm days, it can get cool when the sun goes down.
19. If picnicking in the woods or grassy area, check for ticks and bugs when you get home.

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