Plan a Picnic in May

Summertime is the perfect time of year for a picnic in the park. Take some time soon to carve out an evening at a local Rochester, MN area park and enjoy eating alfresco. Today the 501 on First Blog has some tips on what to eat for a picnic for members of our apartment community.

A picnic can be as simple as picking up a loaf of French bread, a package of sliced cheese, a cluster of grapes, and your favorite beverage at the grocery store on your way home — no utensils needed. There is something rather fun and freeing about ripping chunks of bread directly off the loaf, after all. For something a little more proper, check out these themed picnic ideas.

Austen Inspired

Go all out and indulge in a Jane Austen-inspired picnic, complete with a tablecloth and tea service. If the idea intrigues you, you’re not alone. Read how Anika Mehta pulled it off: How to Have a Regency Tea Party Picnic, in her blog, Hello Giggles.  Bite from the Past is the perfect place to find suitable picnic food for your outing.

Teddy Bear Picnic

For the younger crowd, bringing along a teddy bear makes the picnic! Keep the food simple with cheese, crackers, and bite-size pieces of fruit or vegetables. Lemonade adds a nice touch to this picnic. Be sure to include dessert, berries and cream, come to mind! For more inspiration, check out Pizzazzerie’s Teddy Bear Picnic Party ideas.

Italian — A Taste of the Mediterranean

What’s more Italian than pasta? Build your picnic around a pasta salad, be sure to bring along some freshly grated Parmesan to sprinkle on top. Add some olives —definitely Italian with many varieties to choose from — a cheese board, and a meat board. We suggest using cured meats such as prosciutto, speck, and salami. A nice loaf of ciabatta or focaccia bread adds a hearty touch to your Italian picnic. End with the classic, cannoli, for dessert — pastry and cheese never tasted so good. Bon appetit!

What is your favorite food to take on a picnic? Where do you like to go for a picnic? Please share in the comments so we can all enjoy new foods and places to visit.