Picnic Types

American Style Picnics

The Great American Picnic springs from European foods and cooking techniques introduced by the founding fathers in combination with the rich native methods of the American Indians.  The first Thanksgiving was, after all, a picnic.

Hidden deep in the history books are descriptions of other memorable early American picnics.  Pioneers held one such celebration—a Fourth of July picnic—on the banks of the Platte River under a canopy of tent cloths supported by four wagons.  The group reportedly serenaded themselves with "The Star Spangled Banner" and munched on wheat rolls, boiled beans and salt pork, bean broth, bacon, pies, peaches, stewed and dried fruits.

Through the years the possibilities for picnics in America have become as diverse and enticing as the regional cooking created by immigrants from every corner of the globe—French-heritage Creole foods of Louisiana, Spanish and Mexican influences in the Southwest, the Oriental flavor in California, hearty German-inspired Pennsylvania Dutch farm fare.

Such international roots expanded into a vast repertoire featuring the natural produce of our continent— from mouth-watering New England clams to the Deep South mainstay of fried chicken; from the smoked salmon Northwest Indian-fashion to tender Iowa corn fresh from the field; wines from the vineyards of New York and California; loaves of pumpernickel and rye from great city delicatessens and home-baked goods from country stores; and all the lush seasonal vegetables and fruits that seem created for picnicking, not to mention that original outdoor treat, the watermelon.

Breakfast on the Road

Setting out on a trip that requires an early-morning departure?  Rather than taking time for breakfast at home, prepare a picnic you can eat en route or once you reach your destination.

Fourth of July Potluck

The Fourth of July is one occasion when far more Americans dine outdoors than in.   Some traditional favorites are fried chicken, potato salad and homemade fresh strawberry ice cream.  Divide it among three or four families for a sparkling potluck supper in the park before all the fireworks begin.

Grandstand Picnic

While watching a professional baseball or soccer game or your own youngsters play, every sports fan knows that the excitement of cheering from the sidelines builds a ravenous hunger in no time at all.  A portable party can be a nice change from entertaining in your dining room or back yard.  Just invite friends to someplace that's different, such as a park, for a game of softball and supper afterward, the beach for a game of volleyball or a nice long run and dinner al fresco, a hillside clearing for a hike before lunch or a football game with a tailgate picnic before going into the stadium.  When you have a picnic, it's important to go away, even if it's just down the hill.