A 21st-century picnic basket
June 22, 2007
By MARTY MEITUS
Scripps Howard News Service
Monday, June 18, 2007
When Little Red Riding Hood trotted off to Grandma's house, the wolf might have skipped the granny-burger if Red's picnic basket had been just a little more exciting. Rumor has it that Mama Hood stopped at the local takeout -- the one at Forest Avenue and Gingerbread Lane -- loaded up Little Red with some crispy fried chicken strips and sent her on her way. But picnics in the 21st century don't have to be grab-and-go affairs. Thanks to cool gadgets and gear, and modern approaches to totable fare, a picnic has become a gourmet affair to tame even the biggest and baddest of wolves. (Note: Prices of items may vary.)
Oval Picnic Hamper
With its cool geometric shape, this modern take on a wicker basket is actually woven of lampakanai, from the seagrass family, and has collapsible rattan handles. $39.95, Crate & Barrel.
4-in-1 BBQ Multi-Tool
Trading on the Swiss Army knife concept, this has a knife, meat fork and spatula that swing out, and an instant-read thermometer that fits snugly on top. $19.95, Brookstone.
Two-Pack Wine Chiller
These have an insulated metallic finish on the inside that retains the cold for hours. $25, Brookstone.
Picnic Wine Glass
Cut-glass wine glasses at a picnic? Yes, but only if they look the part -- these are acrylic. $1.95, Crate & Barrel.
Steady Stick Wine Bottle/Wine Glass Holders
A blanket isn't exactly the best place to steady a wine glass and wine bottle, but these wire stakes will minimize the risk of spills. $9.95 to $11.95, Crate & Barrel. Also, Target.com.
Monstera Leaf Placemats
Just because it's a picnic doesn't mean you can't dress up the table. Six placemats. $29.70, Z Gallerie.
Aladdin Heat and Go, With Spoon
Microwave in this container and food will stay hot for hours. The shallow compartment has two sides, so you can tote the mac-and-cheese and the peas along for the kids. $9.95, Target.
Sausalito Striped Picnic Blanket
Protect your flanks with this picnic blanket that folds into a pouch. It's laminated underneath, so if the grass is wet, it's got you covered. $32.95, Crate & Barrel.
Table in a Bag
What's a picnic without a table? This one rolls up into a pouch even though it's made of wood slats and is 17 inches high. How do they do it? $39.95, Crate & Barrel.
Picnic at Ascot Deluxe Backpack With Blanket
For those who go off on a picnic with a knapsack on their back, an all-in-one backback with service for four. $105, REI.
Shell Food Cover
Keep out the bugs with these food screens decorated with seashells, $8.95, and mini-seashell candles to match, $12.95, Z Gallerie.
Mini-Grill in Cooler Bag
Taking fire and ice to a new level, this mini-grill fits neatly into the soft insulated bag that doubles as a cooler so you can enjoy a brewski with your dog. $29.95, Crate & Barrel.
Citronella Mini-Torches
These 10-inch mini-candles in Crayola colors are sweet enough to tame the most ornery bugs. $5.95 for four, Crate & Barrel.
Neoprene Totes by Built NY
One Bottle, $15, Three Bottle, $30 or Six-Pack, $20, soft totes to haul your beverages. Brookstone.
Multi-Function Convertible Rolling Cooler/Picnic Table
Remember Transformers? This insulated cooler is more than meets the eye with fold-down sides that open into a picnic table and places to sit. $59.99, Target.com only.
GSI Vortex Blender
No plug required as you hand-crank your favorite smoothies and margaritas. $69.95, REI.
Light My Fire SL3 Knife
Did you remember the matches? How about something to cut open the bag of charcoal? Got you covered. $36.95, REI.
Snow Peak Compact Chopsticks
For the picnicker who has everything -- portable chopsticks to make picnicking a global affair. $24.95, REI.
RECIPES
GRILLED SALMON
Makes 2 servings
2 (4-ounce) salmon fillets
1/4 cup plum sauce
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
1/4 cup sweet chile sauce
Grill salmon on both sides.
Mix all other ingredients together.
Brush mixture onto salmon and place in oven at 350 degrees just to glaze.
HONEY-MUSTARD BBQ RIBS
Makes 2 servings
2 racks pork back ribs
Sauce:
1 cup Cattlemen's barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
Dash Durkee Hot Sauce
Grill ribs over indirect heat in a covered grill or smoker for 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Turn ribs once, about halfway through. Mix sauce. About 20 minutes before ribs are done, baste heavily with sauce.
Note: To cook in oven, cook ribs in a shallow pan 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Drain. Coat ribs with sauce; turn every 30 minutes, until done (about 75 more minutes). (Tent loosely with foil if ribs start to burn.)
SKIN-ON POTATO SALAD
Serves 8
12 to 15 small red potatoes
3/4 to 1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1/4 cup red onion, diced
Wash potatoes and rub with olive oil, salt and pepper.
Bake at 350 degrees until soft, 45 minutes to an hour. Cool down slightly.
Meanwhile, stir together mayonnaise and mustard and add diced vegetables.
Squeeze potatoes to break skins or smash potatoes and stir with other ingredients.
BLACK BEAN AND CORN SALAD
Serves 8
1 (15-ounce) can black beans
1 cup corn kernels
1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced
1 green onion, diced
1/4 bunch cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon chile powder
1 tablespoon cumin
2 tablespoons lime juice
Salt and pepper
Drain and rinse black beans.
Mix all ingredients together. Heat to warm. Add salt and pepper and adjust seasonings. Can be served warm or cool.
FIRECRACKER COLESLAW
Serves 8
1 head green cabbage, shredded
1/4 head red cabbage, shredded
1 carrot, julienned
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
Dash poppy seeds
Dash celery seed
Dash Tabasco sauce
Mix cabbages and carrot.
Mix all other ingredients together with a wire whip. Pour over cabbage mix and stir.