IN SEASON
For Kate Hayman of Hamish’s Farm Shop, the perfect picnic is all about preparing ahead of time…
One of my all-time favourite things is to pack the kids in the car and disappear for a couple of hours, but I absolutely hate the getting ready to go and the madness that invariably follows, especially with 2 boys... or 3 if you count my husband! However, I like to be organised and pre-planning is always going to make that sunny Sunday aſt ernoon a treat for all! My top tip is to not take the very pretty
wicker basket that has been stuck in a cupboard for years, but to take a more functional cool bag, preferably one that packs fl at, and take disposable plates, cutlery and a pack of baby wipes. T ese are a must: we use them for everything and you can guarantee that the moment you leave the house and the sink, that the kids will get dirty and spill something! We all love homemade quiche, so why not
make one in a square tray the day before, perfect to cut into fi nger slices and pack on top of each other? Tray bake cakes are great too, just stay away from anything that has oodles of icing or that will become too sticky in the sunshine. Flapjack is always a good crowd- pleaser. Little pots of pre-cut fruit are ideal - even if you have to resort to supermarket ones, they are very easy to eat with the provided forks and the kids love them. Wraps make a nice change from sandwiches
and can be made very quickly - you can also take a bag of salad with you and a pack of ham and make them up on the spot. Sausage rolls are also very popular: the ready rolled puff pastry works really well, and you can make these a day or two in advance. My advice is not to take too much food - remember it has to be carried to the picnic spot, and take food that you would be prepared to eat in the car if the weather changes!
Healt hy and hearty
For those who are more health-conscious, a picnic is the perfect way to enjoy a tasty and fi lling meal outdoors in style.
Starchy foods such as bread, rice, potatoes and pasta are a great energy source: choose wholemeal or whole grain varieties where you can: brown rice and pasta are perfect for salads, and potatoes (with skins leſt on) are both fi lling and nutritious. Lean protein is easy to incorporate into picnic dishes: choose fi sh
or meat-based salads or sandwiches, hardboiled eggs, dairy products such as yoghurt or cheese and the beans or pulses of your choice. Opt for lower fat dairy choices and lean meat to make your picnic even healthier. A picnic is a great way to get your fi ve a day: bulk out sandwiches
with tomato, cucumber, lettuce or grated carrot, or add a variety of colourful vegetables to your salads. A fruit salad or fresh fruit platter is ideal for dessert too. When it comes to sweet treats, chocolate and cakes can be substituted
for healthier options too – think low fat yoghurts, dried fruits, nuts, rice cakes and more. And be sure to take plenty to drink – especially if the weather’s warm, as dehydration isn’t a great end to a fun-fi lled day. Sugar-free cordials, small amounts of fruit juice and good old water (try infusing it with cucumber and mint for added fl avour) will keep you refreshed without the sugar content or soſt drinks.
16 | THE WEST COUNTRY FOODLOVER
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