Picnicking On The Road - Article

Recipes for Picinics

I remember waking up as a kid heading out on our annual road trip from Tennessee to Florida. While my dad packed the suitcases in the trunk, Mom prepared her giant food hamper, enough food to last us on our marathon drive (non-stop!) and breakfast when we got there. I think taking a hamper of food with you makes really good sense. Not only is it a big money saver, but you control the quality of what you're eating, and can cut down on the quantities of sugar, salt, food dyes and MSG, all of which make many kids hyper. You may want to carry a basket or simply a box for dry goods, and a small cooler for cold drinks and milk.

A few points to keep in mind:
* Cool it. To help foods stay cold, fill your cooler with ice and let it stand about an hour before packing.
* Double-wrapping, first in paper, then in aluminum helps things like sandwiches stay cold. Use plastic containers for things you don't want to squash, and to keep it neat--olives, pickles, custard for the baby, etc.
* Keep your sandwiches from getting soggy by putting the condiments in the middle of the sandwich, and put meat or cheese directly next to the bread, followed by the tomato, lettuce, then the mustard and mayo sandwiched in between. One of the joys of picnicking is that you can choose a great spot in which to enjoy your al fresco meal far away from the maddening crowds and the fast food emporium. We always look for state parks, lakes and resort areas, where there are often playgrounds for the kids to enjoy and let off some steam. In the city, search out a park with a kids' area, or try the zoo!

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