California grapes are available May through December, ready to enhance whatever the season has to offer. As the months unfold, we'll provide you with fresh ideas for dining, entertaining and enjoying the seasons.
 

Picnic Panache: Packing Up A Summer Celebration

The picnic: the time-honored tradition of simple pleasures. All that’s needed is good food, good company and beautiful weather. With longer days, warm evenings and the exuberant spirits that come with spring and summer, picnicking makes for the perfect escape from the daily routine. When was the last time you packed a basket and headed off to dine in the beauty of one of your favorite outdoor retreats?

The essential ingredient of any picnic is pleasure. And for today’s hectic lifestyle, that means don’t overdo: keep it simple. You can make a few of your own signature items, but plan to purchase the rest from your supermarket.

When packing your picnic, think portability and include items that travel well and appeal to many: fresh grapes, bread and cheese (keep it cold) are classic fare for those very reasons. And feel free to put a twist on traditional favorites. For example, if sandwiches are a must, try pita instead of the usual sliced bread. These easy-to-eat pouches hold your favorite sandwich makings with flair. If the gang loves chips and salsa, why not treat them to Fresh Grape Salsa, where fresh grapes, cilantro, and chiles combine for a zesty alternative to the old tomato-based version. Bottled water, juice and sodas are essential beverages to complete the outing.

If you need an "excuse" for a picnic, official holidays abound: Memorial Day, Flag Day and the Fourth of July, to name a few. If spontaneity is your style, virtually any time this season will be a great time to pack a picnic. So go forth and enjoy!

PRACTICALLY PERFECT PICNIC SALAD

1 cup California seedless grapes
1 can (15 oz.) small white beans, drained
1/2 cup diced celery
1/4 cup minced green onions
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
lemon-mustard dressing
lettuce leaves

Combine all ingredients except lettuce; mix well. Serve on lettuce leaves. Makes 4 servings.

Nutritional Analysis Per Serving: 248 cal., 10.2 g pro., 7.6 g fat (22% cal. from fat), 36.6 g carb., 0 mg chol., 9.3 g fiber and 170 mg sodium.

Lemon-mustard dressing: Combine 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; mix well. Makes 1/4 cup.

WARM WEATHER PICNIC PLANNER

Before you head out this season, look over this checklist and make
sure you haven’t forgotten the essentials.

Tips for the Prepared Picnicker

• Pack your basket in reverse order: food on bottom; serving items and tableware; tablecloth on top. This allows easiest access to the things you need first!
• Make sure all food containers are leak-proof and that the top snaps shut and stays firmly in place. Check to ensure that containers are right side up to prevent spills.
• To prevent containers from tipping, make sure the entire space of the picnic basket is full. Fill excess space with rolled newspaper or towels.
• Avoid soggy sandwiches by wrapping the bread in a plastic bag and packing the filling ingredients separately, then chill in the cooler.

Important Tips for Safe Food

• All cold food should be refrigerated until thoroughly cold before packing (40 degrees F or cooler).
• Cold food should be packed in cold thermos bottles or coolers with ice or freezer packs to keep food at 40 degrees F or cooler.
• Hot foods must be kept at 140 degrees F or hotter, which can be tough to do without an oven!
• Bring a good supply of drinking water; even the clearest of streams may contain bacteria or waste.

Once you pack it up, you’re ready to pick it up and get picnicking! The beauty of a picnic: It can be as much or as little as you want it to be. Do it your way.

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