10 Tips--Plus Recipes--for Taking Food Outside

bon appétit magazine

Whether you're headed to the beach, having a picnic in the park, or going camping in the great outdoors, remember these simple tips to ensure a fun and safe adventure!

  1. Choose recipes that can be served at room temperature and don't require a knife and fork. Wait to dress salads until you reach your destination and are ready to eat.

  2. For salads and dips, use square or rectangular storage containers. They take up less space than round containers when packed into a cooler.

  3. Before sealing lids on containers, use a layer of plastic wrap to help minimize leakage. Pack dressings and sauces in containers with a layer or two of plastic wrap under the lid and then sealed inside one or two resealable plastic bags.

  4. Don't forget serving utensils and sharp knives.

  5. Remember to pack a corkscrew, bring boxed wine, or bring wine in a screw-cap bottle.

  6. Pack cloth napkins and tablecloths. They're great for wrapping sharp knives, serving utensils, flatware, and glassware; they're nicer than paper; and they will minimize waste.

  7. If you're bringing pots and pans to a campsite, use them for packing and toting utensils, flatware, glassware, napkins, and tablecloths.

  8. Pack trash bags, extra resealable plastic bags, baby wipes, and a roll of paper towels for easy cleanup. Include a few wet washcloths in resealable plastic bags.

  9. Use plenty of ice packs and keep the cooler in the car, rather than in the trunk (so that it stays cooler). For more on picnic food safety, visit the USDA Web site.

  10. Bring extra bottled water.

The sun is high and the surf is up. Umbrella, check. Towel, check. Sunblock, check. But first, fill your cooler with food that's just what you want for a day at the beach.

Tamarind and Vodka Cocktail
Avocado and Grapefruit Salad
Asparagus Vichyssoise with Mint
Orzo, Feta, and Tomato Salad with Marjoram Vinaigrette
Tomato, Onion, and Serrano Chile Salsa
Chicken and Watercress Salad with Almonds Feta
Coconut Lime Bars with Hazelnut Shortbread Crust
White Chocolate, Cranberry, and Macadamia Nut Crunch

Find a shady spot and kick off your flip-flops. These summer recipes turn a picnic into a party.

Viognier Fruit Spritzer
Tomatillo-Pepita Gazpacho
Shaved Fennel and Arugula Salad
Radish-Chive Tea Sandwiches with Sesame and Ginger
Grand Fruit Salad
Apricot-Orange Shortbread Bar

Whether you're headed to a favorite old spot or are off to explore a new hiking trail, you'll need sustenance, so pack a knapsack with satisfying food that travels well.

Quick Omega-3 Granola
Strawberry-Citrus Salad
Hummus and Feta Sandwiches on Whole Grain Bread
Black Bean, Jicama and Grilled Corn Salad
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Stacks
Campfire Potatoes
Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken Drumsticks
Old-Fashioned Brownies

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