Jonathan Kenney, 2, of Fredericksburg munches on a sandwich during a picnic dinner at Maury Stadium. mwm View More Images from this story Visit the Photo Place

Celebrate National Picnic Month with a hamper full of tasty outdoor eating

July is National Picnic Month, so throw something good to eat in your cooler--with plenty of freezer packs or ice--and head on out to the great outdoors.

By LUCIA ANDERSON

Date published: 7/23/2003

T'S FINALLY WARM. The sun has reappeared. All of creation is growing, blooming, warbling, buzzing. And on top of that, it's National Picnic Month!

This is the season to take the family for an outing in a park or at a beach, to dine elegantly while enjoying a concert under the stars, to share a loaf of bread and a jug of wine under a bough with someone you love.

Mr. Webster defines "picnic" as "a pleasure outing at which a meal is eaten outdoors." That leaves the field wide open, as far as menus are concerned. The only constraints are food safety (see related story inside) and packability. Things that leak, crumble or squoosh are best left at home.

A white linen tablecloth spread on the grass, crystal wine goblets, a silver candelabra to burn the citronella candles--who says one can't dine elegantly outdoors? OK, so maybe the silver candelabra is a tiny bit over the top, but hey, we're talking ambience here.

How about a cucumber-avocado soup with tomato salsa for starters? Then cold marinated salmon accompanied by a summery bread salad with asparagus. Add a crisp white wine, and you're set to wow all your neighbors at Wolf Trap--or Maury Stadium. Chocolate almond macaroons provide the finishing touch.

You say your offspring wouldn't even look at green soup, much less cold fish or asparagus? OK. Tried and true may be the best maxim for younger palates.

There's always peanut butter and jelly, of course, and, if a grill's available, hot dogs are a sure crowd pleaser.

But how about taking that kid standard, bologna and cheese, and rolling it up in a flour tortilla, then slicing it? Bite-sizing food makes it more fun.

Tuna, chicken, egg and ham salads also work well with the wrap treatment. But be sure to keep all those animal proteins well-chilled to avoid spoilage. Same with the deviled eggs.

Still working on the bite-size principal, cut fresh fruit into chunks that little hands can pop into little mouths with no fuss. Or make apple sandwiches--apple slices held together with a spread made from sweetened cream cheese, dried apricots, golden raisins and chopped walnuts.

Baby carrots furnish some vitamins, and oatmeal chocolate-chunk cookies will satisfy the sweet tooth.

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Date published: 7/23/2003