SHARK BITES – Summertime Picnics and Family Recipes
I love this time of season when you can bring food, family and fun outdoors. There’s so many reasons to take advantage of picnics around this time of the year. Celebrating a birthday, having a family gathering, an outdoor block-party movie night, an afternoon lunch date, or simply “just because”— allows people to come together and share in good food, good conversation, and good fun!
As a child, my mother made some great meals… fun meals to be exact! Having a picnic with my family made quality time very special. The day seemed to never end and the ants weren’t too bothersome either! 😉
Now that summertime has kicked in to high gear (and high temperatures), families are enjoying the sun, while trying to find cool ways to stay cool—pun intended! Families are packing their cars and making ‘day trips’ to their local parks, beaches, or backyards, for some lunchtime fun. The best part is special memories will be made in the process.
Summer doesn’t have to be an expensive season either. You can make quick, simple, nutritional meals for everyone to enjoy. Sharky suggests including your kids in helping make snacks. Allow them to place sliced fruit in Ziploc bags, for instance. 😉
As I reminisce about my own childhood picnic memories, I wonder what my followers grew up eating at picnics, and if you include any traditions today with your families.
Food For Thought:
What would a picnic require you bring to an outing? Here’s a quick list of items:
- Beverages— juice boxes, water bottles, sodas, and adult beverages
- Bikes
- Blanket
- Bottle Opener
- Bug Spray
- Can Opener
- Chicken— Fried always works! 😉
- Chips
- Condiments— travel size mustard, ketchup, miracle whip/mayonnaise etc.
- Cups
- Cutting Board
- Dips
- Fruits
- Garbage Bags
- Ice Cubes in Ziploc bags— add to drinks/sodas for more coolness
- Napkins— paper or cloth
- Paper/Plastic Plates
- Paper Towels— for miscellaneous spills
- Pepper
- Picnic Basket
- Re-freezable Ice Packs/Re-sealable Ice packs– to avoid spoiling food
- Salt
- Sandwiches— chicken, turkey, and BLT
- Stroller(s)
- Sugar— packets
- Sunscreen
- Toothpicks
- Vegetables— carrot and celery sticks; cherry tomatoes
- Wipes
Food Items/Recipes
Keep yourself cool and refreshed with a tasty fruit salad. A wonderful Greek Salad would be a tasty treat. Here is a great recipe I found on Popsugar.com.
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad… can you say “yummy”?! You will be after trying and tasting this quick and easy recipe that I found on Popsugar.com.
Crunchy Fried Chicken. ‘Nuff said! Here is an awesome recipe I found while browsing the web. These are a great finger food for the young and old.
Be a hit with family and friends with a delectable Tomato-Basil Pasta Salad. Here is a great recipe I found on WomansDay.com.
Kid-friendly food items can be a hit when S’mores are involved! Here’s a tasty treat I found that you could try.
Picnic Baskets and Totes:
Insulated Backpack/Tote – $28.99 & FREE Shipping on Amazon.com
Suitcase Picnic Basket – $20.99 + $7.69 S&H on Amazon.com
4 Person Picnic Basket – $50.99 + Free shipping on Walmart.com
2 person picnic basket – $35.99 + Free Shipping on Walmart.com
Ideas to inspire you:
I found two GREAT Pinterest boards (here and here). I found that they have something for everyone. I see a few things I will be trying. Sharky wants to know what would you pick to try for your picnic outing.
‘Sentimental’ Sharky wants to know what your favorite memory is of picnic meals/recipes your mother/father prepared for you as a child. Do you make them for your child(ren) today? I can’t wait to hear back from you all with your special recipes.
“Don’t sink with the fishes. Be the consumer in the know!”
~Sharky
What is “Shark Bites”? Shark Bites is a money-saving tips series here on FreebieShark that aims to help you and your family get the most out of your money. “Shark Bites” posts are both educational and straight to the point. Just another way FreebieShark is helping you save!
