Picnic Time!

This is arguably the best time of the year for a picnic!  (One time I dragged Hubby out on a picnic during March.  It was one of those warm-ish March days, but it was still chilly, and there were still ice chunks floating in the lake, Hubby was not too impressed with this, as he thought he could wear shorts and down by the lake we/he froze.)  Hubby is not too fond of picnics, but I sure am.  He will give in to going on them just to make me happy as he is awesome.  (Hey, marriage is about compromises!)  

You will find most of my ideas suggest packing a picnic lunch.  It’s just easier.  It’s fun though to specifically plan only a picnic for the day.  Bring a book, bring some pillows to lounge on, be sure to pick a new park/picnic location each time to keep it fresh!  Once you get there pick your spot to spread out, my personal favourite spot is under a big, ol’ Weeping Willow for the shade.

My picnic meals, as money is tight, usually end up with a peanut butter and jam sandwiches, some fruit and some homemade made baked good.  I love to bake, and it’s cheaper then buying something at a bakery.  It is a LOT cheaper to bring/prepare your own lunch.  Fruits, veggies, cheese, all pack well and are cheaper if you buy them and prepare them yourself.  Some might find peanut butter and jam boring, to each their own, come up with a sandwich/meal that travels well that you will like.  The point is to do it economically, use the ingredients you have.  I enjoy picnicking when the weather is cool.  No bugs and I love bringing hot chocolate in a thermos.  There is something cozy about curling up on a blanket with your loved one and sip a hot, sweet drink.  Plus the pictures are very Canadiana with everyone wearing a sweater.  Of course picnicking when it’s warmer out is fun too!  Homemade iced tea is so much cheaper and yummier then store bought so brew some and pack it in a thermos with ice for a special treat!

Here is a really yummy, super easy recipe I found that I like to bring as my baked good item for my picnic:

Chocolate Peanut-Butter No Bake Cookies

Recipe courtesy Helen Ostrosky

Show: Cooking LiveEpisode: Organizing Your Pantry Cook Along

·         Level: Easy

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 4 tablespoons cocoa
• 1 stick butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 3 cups oatmeal
• Waxed paper

Directions

In a heavy saucepan bring to a boil, the sugar, cocoa, butter and milk. Let boil for 1 minute then add peanut butter, vanilla and oatmeal. On a sheet of waxed paper, drop mixture by the teaspoonfuls, until cooled and hardened.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/cooking-live/chocolate-peanut-butter-no-bake-cookies-recipe/index.html

How to Make Homemade Iced Tea

Ingredients: 

2 tea bags (I use Orange Pekoe but this can work with any type depending on the taste you are going for, try green tea!)

Lemon juice (either fresh or bottled can work) (can also switch it up and add orange instead)

Sugar/Or Honey/Or Sweetener to taste

Directions

Use a plastic jug, preferable with a lid.  It should be heat safe. 

Boil a kettle of water, pour into plastic jug. 

Add two tea bags, steep for about 30 minutes, or longer if desired. 

Add sugar/honey/or sweetener to taste. 

Add lemon to taste,(be careful, a little goes a long way!)

Cool in refrigerator for at least 4 hours.  If you have time make ice out of the iced tea so when you add it to the jug you won’t delete the flavour like regular ice will when it melts.  You can also add slices of citrus fruit if you have it, oranges, lemons, grapefruit to give it and extra kick.






P.S. BRING YOUR DOG!!!
If you bring your dog somewhere do NOT leave your dog in the car.  (If you have to always roll down the windows, and not just a crack, roll all of the windows down!)  Always bring your dog plenty of water and be courteous of others that your dog does not jump on them or get tangled up in their leash.  ALWAYS pick up their bathroom business as no one likes stepping in doggie pooh.  (You would think people would be smart enough to know this but for some reason some people aren’t, so please look after your dog!)

P.P.S BRING YOUR CAMERA! 

I am an amateur photographer, I am not very good at it, but I enjoy it!  The cheapest of cameras can still take a good photo.  Document your fun times!  Life is short!  Relish in small pleasures!