Snacks in the sun

The ourdoors are quite an allure, this makes picnics fun. Next weekend, Kampala outdoor event Blankets and Wine will give you a great opportunity to enjoy the delights of a picnic. Here are some tips on how to prepare.

Uganda’s climate is temperate making it ideal for the alfresco setting and this is pretty much available on a year round basis.

Picnics ought to be fun and casual, however; it can never be clear and smooth sailing. Picnic food is susceptible to hazards not all of which are ants, bugs, grit, fly’s and sand.

Transport all your perishables in the coolest section of your vehicle, taking particular care and attention to shield them against direct sunlight.

When it comes to shoes, high heels are definitely ill suited for the picnic setting; a good pair of moccasins, loafers or sneakers would be preferable.

Be sure to bring along a shawl or light jacket and in this kind of unpredictable weather, think about shelter in the form of parasols. Clothing should be as casual and comfortable as possible and as for ladies, slacks, jeans or shorts are just what the doctor ordered.

I would suggest that you pick up a cold box from say Game, and pack it with well prechilled foods. If you don’t have a cold box or insulated plastic bags, then carry frozen juices.

These can be conveniently used en route to cool such perishables as mayonnaise and devilled eggs.

Otherwise, fill a plastic bag with ice cubes and put it in a coffee can to improvise a chilling unit that will last out transportation time.

For that matter, damp newspapers work very well and can be used to insulate the sandwich boxes.

Under no circumstances should you repack in your cold box or carry over to another picnic meal (read left overs) during the day any foods that spoil easily.

In the event that you choose to use dry ice, always ensure that the container and the car windows are partially open to allow the gas to escape.

Sandwiches should be neatly wrapped and clearly labelled; and most of all, assuming that you are planning on a basket or blanket picnic, you should plan the kind of food that holds well and can easily be served, with a minimum of fuss so that everyone can make the most of the day and enjoy every minute of the outing.

An assortment of sandwiches, salads, fruits and cookies are a cinch for picnics. Items like grilled Frankfurters are easy and even the kids can make them since they only require a broiler or a grill on a rack.

Menu suggestions for a picnic

Menu I
Grilled Frankfurters or hot dogs, Potatoes baked in embers , bread and butter pickles, cheddar cheese sandwiches, gingerbread , apples and grapes

Menu II
Goat kebabs , flat bread (pita bread), tossed salads with thousand island dressing, pound cake, bogoya or sukali ndizi

Menu III
Cold fried chicken, potato salad nicoise, oat bread cockaigne, marble cake, watermelon
Menu IV
Fried fish, grilled or roasted or steamed corn (kasoli), coleslaw, quick oatmeal cookies, fresh fruit in season

Menu V
Hot or colour barbecued pork spareribs, carrot and celery sticks, black olives, dill batter toast, gold layer cake with caramel icing, fresh fruit in season

Menu VI
Baked ham, nut cream rolled in chives , picnic tossed salad , parker rolls or rye rolls , brownies cockaigne, fresh fruit in season