There’s something magical and delightfully whimsical about picnics. Even the simplest food tastes a lot better when taken out of a picnic basket, writes Andora Fredericks
WHAT’S not to love about sitting outdoors with great company, feasting on delicious food and chatting for hours? A picnic is a great way to combine time with nature and our love for food.
With the upcoming Merdeka Day, why not organise a potluck picnic or a picnic basket swap with your friends for a memorable day out?
But a picnic in this weather? It’s either too hot or too far. However this generalisation isn’t totally true — there are many nearby shady and scenic spots for picnickers to discover.
Try a nearby beach or a sea-facing chalet. Imagine enjoying cream cheese and caviar-speckled baguette as the soothing cool breeze caresses you. Nibble on flavoursome cheeses and polish it off with some wine as you enjoy a good book, sprawled on a colourful blanket.
Or spend time with that special someone at Lake Gardens, in your backyard or even by the pool. Picnics can certainly put the fun in food. And best of all, it’s Instagram worthy!
WHAT TO PACK?
While it’s tempting to pack in the usual sausages and nuggets, mee hoon, nasi lemak and sardine sandwiches, this time, try something different and put a little panache into your picnic.
Packing a picnic is not the same as packing a lunchbox. You need to find a lot of small, easily packaged things that won’t spoil if they’re out of the fridge for an hour or so. You don’t want to pack huge portions because ideally you shouldn’t have leftovers. The trick is to have a variety of things to munch on while you enjoy the company of a fun person or a good book.
Cold chicken either fried or roasted are picnic favourites as they can withstand the heat and taste delicious. Sandwiches are also easy to make, easy to pack and easy to eat. Try different combinations of sandwiches the sky is the limit on the combinations.
Remember to slather a heavy layer of butter on both slices of the bread so it acts as a waterproof layer to keep the bread from getting soggy from the filling. If you’re making wraps, place a layer of lettuce leaves on the wraps before you add the filling to keep it from getting soggy.
You don’t necessarily have to have a wicker basket although an old-fashioned basket adds to the overall experience. A cooler box or a simple basket will do. Pack light and pack smartly so you don’t have too many unnecessary things. A little extra effort, like laying out the food on a clean tablecloth and keeping the food pretty and fresh, goes a long way.
For food safety, make sure you use ice packs to keep food cool. Throw away food that’s been wilting in the sun for more than an hour. Keep bugs away, especially flies, with citronella candles. And don’t forget the mozzie spray.
Let’s bring back the fine art of picnic this Merdeka and reconnect with nature, friends, family and food. Jom picnic!
BEST PLACES TO PICNIC WITHIN TWO HOURS FROM KLANG VALLEY
PORT DICKSON
With the new white sand and clearer waters, Port Dickson is gaining back in popularity and is a popular place for family picnics. Go early to get the best spot under a tree.
KLCC PARK
The quintessential urban park, great for outdoor play for the kids and for people watching. Can get quite crowded over the weekend.
TAMAN TASIK PERDANA (KL LAKE GARDENS)
Matured trees offer a shady respite from the heat and depending on your spot, the view of the lake is amazing.
FRIM
Scenic and serene. You can opt to go for a little walk or hike, or just splash around the waterfall.
THE ROOFTOP, AVENUE K
Great place to hang out and watch the sun set over a breathtaking skyline of the city. Open from 5pm to 9pm every day
DESA PARKCITY, KUALA LUMPUR
Also known as Central Park,it’s where the slick urbanites hang out. Beautiful park overlooking a lake, child- and dog-friendly as well.
PICNIC BASKET IDEAS
FINGER FOOD
•Hummus and crudites
•Tortilla Chips and dips
•Boiled eggs/devilled eggs
SALADS
•Roasted root vegetables
•Poached vegetables
•Beetroot quinoa salad
(fresh leaves wilt easily, so opt out)
MAINS
•Roast meats
•Fried rice/noodles
•Sandwiches
SIDES
•Roast potatoes
•Roasted vegetables
•Bread
DESSERTS
•Chia seed pudding in a jar
•Yogurt and fruits (freeze)
BEVERAGES (freeze them so it acts as an ice pack in your basket)
•Flavoured Milk
•Bottled water
•Juices
CHECKLIST (keep this in your basket for your next trip)
• Sauces and ketchups
• Cups and plates
• Utensils
• Bottle opener
• Cutting knife
• Cutting board
• Napkins
• Newspaper
• Throw/mat
• Wet wipes
• Cutting board - doubles as serving board
• Bin bags
PICNIC TIPS
• Avoid anything with mayo as it spoils easily
• For food safety, make sure you pack
ice packs into your baskets to keep your food cool. And throw away any food that’s been wilting in the sun for more than an hour.
• Freeze juice boxes or drinks, so it can act as an ice pack and the best part is its slush when ready to drink.
• Keep bugs away, especially flies with citronella candles and mozzie spray.