Pack the perfect picnic

As the sun continues to shine in the UK it's time to make sure you’re making the most of the al fresco dining season. And there’s nothing that quite beats the culinary classic which is the picnic.

Blanket (check), tupperware (check), basket (check). Now all that’s left to decide is what delicious sweet and savoury treats to pack.

Here’s our quick guide to packing that perfect picnic.

Star of the show

This could be as simple as a sandwich presented in a freshly baked baguette or as sophisticated as a frittata.

Our personal favourites are pie or quiche. Here are a few recipes well worth a try:

Rainbow pie - Packed full of bright colourful veggies it’s a vegetarians dream
Picnic pie - This meaty main makes for a hearty meal
Quiche Lorraine - Quick, simple yet oh so effective. Quiche Lorraine is a picnic basket staple.
Tear and share bread - What’s better than one sandwich? A loaf of sandwich!

Snacks galore

Picnics are all about finger foods. Easy to eat and low on mess. Think scotch eggs and sausage rolls.

That doesn’t however mean they have to be boring. Here are our favourite twists on traditional snacks which will really spice up your hamper.

Chorizo scotch eggs - Deep fried and delicious, the chorizo really makes for a fiery change.
Vegan sausage roll - By replacing the meat with mushrooms and mustard this traditional snack is transformed into a moreish treat.
Satay pork pie - Yes you heard it right! The addition of peanut butter adds another layer of texture and taste.

Transportable treats

What’s a picnic without a pudding! Here are some of our favourite portable desserts that you simply must try.

If you have a sweet tooth just like we do then it’s often hard to pick. Here’s a list of suggested recipes to get you started:

Coconut & jam macaroon traybake - Packed full of all the coconut, raspberry jam and dark chocolate flavours of a macaroon in the easily transportable form of a traybake.
Picnic pudding jars - This no-mess dessert is the best-enjoyed al fresco.
Rainbow jam tarts - A traditional treat that’s simply hard to say no to.
Rocky road - Quick, easy and guaranteed to win the hearts of all the family.