Recipes for a Picnic with the Kids
Fried Chicken, Pizza Salad, Carrot Bread and More
Celebrate the summer by enjoying a meal outdoors.
What is it about eating outdoors that makes everything taste better?
This summer, treat your family to a taste of nature and a good meal at the same time. Prepare the food ahead, pack it up in a picnic basket (or a large shopping bag), and don’t forget a big blanket or tablecloth, napkins and a garbage bag to take your trash home with you.
Take a hike in the woods, a swim in the lake or just a leisurely walk. Spread your blanket on the grass somewhere with a view, and enjoy the season!
Picnic Menu
Fried Chicken
Pizza Salad
Carrot Bread
Seedless Watermelon & Cantaloupe Chunks
Lemonade
Fried Chicken
- 1/3 cup oil
- 1/3 cup (2/3 stick) butter
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon marjoram
- 8-9 chicken drumsticks
Put oil and butter in a shallow baking pan and put it in a preheated 375 degree oven to melt. Set aside. In a large sack, combine flour and seasonings. Roll chicken around in the butter, then put it in the sack and shake to coat. Place in pan and bake 45 minutes. Turn and cook 5-10 minutes longer. Cool slightly and then set on paper towels. Can be served hot, chilled or room temperature.
Pizza Salad
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, torn into pieces
- ½ - 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1 large tomato, cut into chunks
- 1 green pepper, diced
- Italian salad dressing
Toss together all ingredients, including a small amount of dressing. Add whatever ingredients you like on your pizza – sliced mushrooms, black olives, chopped red onion, pineapple chunks or cubed ham. You may also add small cubes of sourdough bread as soft croutons that taste like pizza crust. Store in airtight container.
Carrot Bread
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 sticks unsalted butter
- 4 eggs, separated
- ¾ pound grated carrots
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups flour
Spray bundt pan with cooking spray and dust with breadcrumbs. Cream sugar and butter together until smooth. Add egg yolks and mix well. Add grated carrots, milk and lemon juice and mix. In a separate bowl, mix together salt, baking powder, baking soda and flour. Add to creamed mixture. In a small bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Add a pinch of salt. Fold into creamed mixture. Pour batter into pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Allow to cool. Cut into thick slices.
For more fun things to do this summer, see A Perfect Summer for Kids.
Make picnicking part of your at-home summer camp. See Summer Camp at Home: Ideas for Backyard Fun, Outdoor Adventure for Kids.
