Here in New York, come March and April, we’re ready to be rid of cold, dreary, wintry weather. When the sun comes out and the days begin to warm up, we just can’t wait to do one thing: get outside!
National Picnic Day is the perfect way to enjoy the beginning of the new season. Crocuses, hyacinth, and daffodils are blooming. Robins are digging for worms in the grass. Trees are just beginning to bud. So why not take a meal outside and enjoy the freshly blooming outdoors on April 23?
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Tabletop Searing at Your Picnic Portable charcoal grills are great for taking on the road or anywhere space is limited. Without a little help, however, they just can’t generate enough heat to give you a great sear. Dry wood chips—not wet—turn the tables on tabletop searing. Searing is a cooking method that transforms the flavor of whatever is being cooked on a grill or hot pan. It is the process of cooking over intense heat for a relatively short amount of time to achieve a crispy, caramelized crust that seals in all those very tasty juices. To learn how to get a great sear on your small portable grill, check out Tabletop Searing: Mission Accomplished. |
There’s something about eating a meal al fresco that makes it more readily appreciated. Perhaps being closer to nature puts us a little more in touch with our primal instincts. Maybe the fresh air and sunshine on our faces heightens our senses, and everything just tastes a little fresher and more delicious.
But picnics aren’t just about being outdoors—it’s about spending that time with people you care about. It’s not a picnic unless you share it with friends and family. A picnic table is meant to seat at least six, after all! Away from the distractions of television, computers, and housework, you can really enjoy each other’s company and a tasty, casual meal.
Check your local parks department’s website for a list of parks near you to explore with your packed picnic lunch. Check out our great picnic menu suggestions. And don’t forget your Frisbee, blanket, tabletop grill, and all the other essentials you’ll need.
Since National Picnic Day is on a Monday this year, you might not be able to take the whole family outside for a meal. That’s ok—have a picnic on Sunday instead. It’s Earth Day after all—another great day to get outside and enjoy a meal in nature with your loved ones.
What will you be doing to celebrate National Picnic Day and Earth Day this year? Do you have an all-time favorite picnic menu item? What are your must-have activities on a picnic? Which local park is your favorite and why? Do you look for a park with built-in grills and gazebos, or do you pack your own blanket and “rough it”?
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