Food Preparation

Tips & Techniques

Some of my best childhood memories are of picnics in Granny's back yard and camping by a trout stream with my parents. At the center of all our family events was a good meal. We have been blessed to have some great cooks - not gourmet, just good home cooking. Food preparation is key to any successful family meal, especially outdoor cooking.

I have found that preparing several dishes ahead and taking them to the event in plastic bowls or zip top bags allows me to spend more time enjoying the day. Assemble the recipes you want to serve and decide which ones can be prepared a day ahead. Chop vegetables that will keep well in containers to cut down on prep time.

Food preparation for an afternoon picnic should include a good sturdy basket or picnic cooler with plates, utensils and cups or glasses will keep you organized and provide fabulous ambience. Many styles are available with all the utensils included. If the food will be eaten as soon as you arrive, your considerations of food safety will be lessened. If however, this will be an affair lasting several hours you will need a cooler or heat source to keep the food at proper temperature. Proper temperature is a critically important part of food preparation. There is nothing to change an event from memory to disaster faster than everyone getting sick!

Any dairy or meat based ingredients should be kept in a cooler with ice until right before serving. Keep the menu simple. Meats, cheeses, spreads and good bread are excellent choices. They are paired well with fresh fruit salad, raw vegetables and salads. Add your favorite beverage and enjoy the party!

If you are tailgating or preparing food at the picnic site you will probably want a small grill or camp stove to heat foods. There are basically two types of grills - charcoal and gas. Both work well, but my preference is gas. It heats up quickly without lighter fluid and there are no ashes or hot coals to deal with later. Fuel for small stoves is readily available and takes up little room. Check the manufacturers specifications on your model stove or grill for the size and type of fuel. Some models have an automatic starter and do not require matches to light.

Smokers are also great for preparing meats and vegetables that require little oversight once the fire is the right temperature. This will allow you to put your meat on and enjoy your family for a few hours while the smoker slowly adds flavor. My family's favorite is to smoke a whole salmon (click here for the recipe). The meat falls off the bones and is delicious without a lot of effort. Pork shoulders and ribs are another favorite. If you choose a charcoal smoker or charcoal grill I highly recommend purchasing a starter. This is a metal canister that will cut the time it takes for the coals to be hot significantly. They are inexpensive and will eliminate one of the disadvantages of charcoal - the wait time.

Frozen drinks and smoothies are a special unexpected treat that can be accomplished with the new battery powered and 12-volt models of blenders. These new products will take your event to the next level and receive rave reviews. Fresh fruit, ice and your favorite added beverage and you are on your way to being a master camp chef. They also make healthy quick on the go breakfast drinks.

Tip - You might consider bringing a shelter or open tent in case of inclement weather. I have spent lots of time grilling with a spatula in one hand and an umbrella in the other. Check with the facility to see if covered shelter space is available. Another very good suggestion from my camping buddies is to take a piece of indoor-outdoor carpet with you on your camping trip. Many campsites have pea gravel, which is very hard on the bare feet and knees. These carpet pieces are readily available at home centers and hardware stores. Of course if you are a sophisticated tailgater you probably already have a favorite oriental rug that you use for this purpose. Very Classy, but leave the fruit punch at home.