Declare Your Independence - Have a Picnic

Cool off your kitchen! It's time for a picnic. Summertime cooking tends to be lighter, easier, and more transportable--perfect for eating outside. The word picnic probably comes to us from the French pique-nique, which originally meant a meal where wine or food was brought by those enjoying the repast. Whether you do all the food prep yourself or go back to the pot luck connotations of a pique-nique, the key is to keep it simple.

Our favorite foods for picnics are simple to prep, easy to store and can be made in advance. A loaf of bread, a jug of wine and thou is the simplest version of this, but most of us want a bit more. We propose starting with that loaf of bread, some cheese and fruit such as apples, peaches, berries and grapes to take the edge off. Chips and various dips also work for an easy and quick appetizer. Cold roast chicken or thin-sliced flank steak make excellent focal points for the meal. For a vegetarian option, go with grilled portabello mushrooms and summer veggies. Sides can include the traditional potato or pasta salad or you change things up with a rice salad. It doesn't seem like a picnic without bean salads, pickled cucumbers or beets, pickles and cole slaw--probably because they are so easy to make and come out of a cooler ready to go on the table. Finish your feast with an assortment of cookies or quick breads and fresh fruit - light and easy.

We've found dishes from our recipe challenge that work anytime, and are especially good for picnics.

Disappearing Buffalo Dip

Thomas Keller's Favorite Chicken

Beer Can Chicken

Snickerdoodles

Peanut Butter Chip Crispy Rice Bars

Banana Nut Bread

Zucchini Bread

Chewy Oatmeal Cookies

Craison Walnut Cookies

Sugar Saucers