it's time to jump on the picnic trend!
pack the perfect picnic
picnic planning tips from BONCOOK
As the first blooms of spring start to peek through and the air fills with warmth, it’s the time to kick off the season with a perfect picnic!
Time to pack the perfect picnic basket and bon COOK is ready to share how.
Lounging on a cozy blanket, in the bliss of sunshine is the best place to contemplate: What’s for dinner? surrounded by family and friends while enjoying a homemade picnic is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face!
We’re here to make that thought a delicious reality with our engaging virtual cooking classes, designed to inspire and empower you in creating unforgettable picnic recipes.
Whether you’re whipping up a refreshing watermelon salad or crafting elegant French tea sandwiches, these classes are your ticket to mastering outdoor cooking and enjoying summer picnics like never before.
So grab your apron and let’s dive into a world of easy picnic ideas and homemade picnic food that will transform your next outing into a culinary celebration.
Discover BONCOOK Virtual Cooking Classes:
Taste the trend tuesday 8 PM ET
Virtual cooking classes have revolutionized the way we learn and enjoy culinary arts. BONCOOK presents online sessions that offer a unique theme every month with weekly classes that support the theme and cooking trends. Take the opportunity to enhance your picnic planning skills from the comfort of your own kitchen. Each class is just one hour with three recipes presented. Let’s explore how these classes can transform your outdoor dining experience in the sunniest months of the year.
Learn Picnic Recipes
Virtual cooking classes provide an excellent platform for mastering picnic-friendly recipes. These courses are designed to help you create delicious, portable dishes perfect for outdoor gatherings.
In these classes, you’ll learn to prepare a variety of foods that travel well and taste great at room temperature. From classic sandwiches to innovative salads, the recipes are tailored to withstand the rigors of transportation and outdoor serving.
Instructors often share tips on ingredient selection, focusing on items that maintain their flavor and texture when packed. You’ll also discover techniques for proper food storage and presentation, ensuring your picnic spread looks as good as it tastes.
Interactive Cooking Experience
The interactive nature of virtual cooking classes makes them an engaging and effective learning tool. These sessions offer real-time guidance and feedback, creating a dynamic cooking environment right in your home kitchen.
Participants can ask questions, share their progress, and receive immediate responses from instructors. This two-way communication helps address specific concerns and enables personalized advice tailored to each learner’s skill level.
Every class incorporates live demonstrations, giving you a clear visual guide to follow. This hands-on approach helps reinforce techniques and builds confidence in your culinary skills.
Virtual cooking experiences often foster a sense of community among participants, creating opportunities for sharing ideas and experiences with fellow food enthusiasts.
kicking off picnic season at home:
Your backyard or porch
plan your menu
Our next class features recipes that are both simple and elevated!
BONTIPS:
Opt for simple to prepare and easy to eat foods
Finger foods are simple and perfect
What’s on the menu?
- Start: Watermelon Arugula Salad
- Main: Mini Tea sandwiches
- Sweet: Palmier Pastry Cookies
- Beverage: Homemade Raspberry Lemonade
Don’t forget – Pack smart
- Choose the right bag or basket
- Use reusable containers to minimize waste
- Insulated bag
- Utensils and napkins
- Trash Bag
- Blanket or Mat
- Pillows or cushions:
If you are inviting others to join you, ask them to bring their favorite picnic blanket and a favorite cushion to sit on. This makes the picnic a relaxed and eclectic affair.
- Games and activities
- Clean up supplies
- Target has this adorable first aid kit, Click below:
- Mini first aid kit: I love this one from Target:
This is small and perfect for travel. Kids are obsessed with the cuteness of these Band-Aids!
Location: at Home
Choose a cozy and inviting spot in your backyard or garden for the picnic.
Consider areas with:
Shade: Under a tree or a patio umbrella.
Comfort: Use outdoor furniture, blankets, and cushions.
Decor: Add string lights, lanterns, and fresh flowers for a festive atmosphere.
who's Invited?
Invite close friends and family to join the celebration, or keep it low-key with just your closest loved ones.
Here’s a sample list:
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Family: Parents, siblings, children, cousins.
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Friends: Best friends, neighbors, colleagues.
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Special Guests: Anyone who loves picnics and good company!
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Neighbors: The oldest person in the neighborhood
Happy Hour Option: Picnic Mimosas
Optional: Use the homemade raspberry lemonade to create refreshing mimosas:
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Ingredients: Raspberry lemonade, champagne or sparkling wine, fresh raspberries, mint leaves.
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Steps:
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Fill glasses halfway with raspberry lemonade.
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Top off with champagne or sparkling wine.
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Garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves.
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Fun digital invite
Create a fun and inviting digital invitation to share with your friends.
Here’s a sample:
🌸 Kick Off Picnic Season! 🌸
Date: [Insert Date] Time: [Insert Time] Location: [Your Address]
Join us for a fun backyard picnic to celebrate the arrival of spring and summer!
Enjoy delicious homemade treats, refreshing raspberry lemonade mimosas, and great company.
Menu Highlights:
Palmiers
Watermelon and Arugula Salad
French Tea Sandwiches
Homemade Raspberry Lemonade
RSVP: [Your Contact Information]
We can’t wait to see you there!
Picnic Planning Tips
Your yard or porch
- let your recipes take the spotlight – (It’s French!)
Palmiers: Palmiers, also known as “palm leaves” or “elephant ears,” are classic French pastries made from pâte à choux, a type of puff pastry.
They date back to the 17th century in France, where French patissiers experimented with puff pastry..
The name “palmier” comes from their resemblance to palm leaves.
Watermelon Salad: Watermelon has been cultivated in Europe since the 16th century, introduced by the Greeks and Romans.
While watermelon salad is not traditionally French, melons, including watermelon, have been enjoyed in France for centuries, particularly during the summer months.
Tea Sandwiches: Tea sandwiches, or “sandwiches de thé,” have a rich history in French tea culture. Tea was introduced to the French royal court in 1636 by Dutch traders.
Over time, tea became popular among the French aristocracy, and tea sandwiches became a staple at tea salons and gatherings.
Raspberry Lemonade: Lemonade became fashionable in Paris in the 17th century, with vendors selling it throughout the city.
The addition of raspberries to lemonade is a modern twist, combining the traditional French love for lemonade with the refreshing taste of raspberries.
Benefits of Picnicking
Picnicking offers numerous health and social benefits:
Fresh Air: Spending time outdoors and breathing fresh air can invigorate and rejuvenate you.
Family Bonding: Picnics offer an excellent opportunity to bond with family and friends, fostering warmth and a sense of security.
Stress Relief: Being outdoors helps reduce stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation.
Healthy Eating: Picnics often feature nutritious, homemade meals, promoting healthy eating habits.
Physical Activity: Picnics can include activities like walking, playing games, and sports, keeping you active.
set up a picnic with what you have on hand
Setting up a picnic with items you already have is fun and straightforward: We visited Charleston as an award trip with bon COOK top consultants and this is where I realized a good picnic is one you can quickly build. We experienced a beautiful picnic set up with a local business and this was the best reminder that you can set up a picnic anywhere, a favorite tree, local park, a garden, lakeside, a beach, a hiking trail, historical sites, and most favorable, your backyard!
Blanket or Towels: Use a blanket or large towels to sit on, add a pillow or cushion.
Reusable Containers: Pack food in reusable containers to keep it fresh.
Utensils: Please bring your utensils, napkins, and cups from home.
Cooler or Insulated Bags: Use a cooler or insulated bags to keep food and drinks cold.
Portable Speaker: If you have one, bring a portable speaker for music.
Games and Activities: Pack some games or activities, such as a frisbee or cards.
packing and organizing
Efficient packing is crucial for a successful picnic
A well-organized basket or cooler can make all the difference in keeping your food fresh and easily accessible.
Start by packing your picnic basket with heavier items at the bottom and more delicate foods on top. Use sturdy containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent spills and keep foods separate. Consider the order in which you’ll be serving items and pack accordingly. Place beverages and appetizers near the top for easy access upon arrival.
Don’t forget essential non-food items, such as utensils, napkins, and a trash bag. A small cutting board and knife can also be handy for last-minute food prep.
For temperature control, use ice packs or frozen water bottles to keep perishables cold. These will thaw throughout the day, providing cold drinking water as well.
embrace and taste the trend of picnicing
Embarking on a picnic adventure is more than just a meal outdoors—it’s a celebration of the simple joys of life, connection with loved ones, and the undeniable allure of nature’s bounty. Our virtual cooking series equips you with the skills and inspiration needed to transform any outdoor space into a gourmet haven, filled with delicious homemade treats and refreshing beverages.
By harnessing the power of these courses, you’re not just learning recipes; you’re embracing a lifestyle that combines convenience with creativity. Whether you’re indulging in elegant French tea sandwiches or savoring a tangy watermelon salad, each dish tells a story of care and craftsmanship that enhances your picnic experience.
As you pack your basket and head out to your favorite spot, remember that the heart of every picnic is the shared moments, the laughter, and the memories created. So, gather your picnic essentials, invite your favorite people, and let the warmth of the season make for an unforgettable outing.
Here’s to many more picnics filled with love, laughter, and the exquisite flavors that make life so richly satisfying. Happy picnicking! 🌞🌿🍓
With the desire to inspire more people to spend time around good food and great people whether outdoors or in we thank you in advance for letting us share space in your kitchen whether through our bon COOK products, virtually or in person, thank you from our bon COOK kitchen to yours!
To register for our virtual picnic class here: https://bit.ly/TASTETHETRENDCOOKINGSERIESAPRILCLASSES
Happy Spring!
Cindy Juncaj
CEO and Partner, BONCOOK
