Picnics

“The Rat brought the boat alongside the bank, tied it up, helped awkward Mole safely ashore and swung out the picnic basket. The Mole begged to be allowed to unpack it all by himself. He took out all the mysterious packages one by one and arranged their contents, gasping ‘Oh my! Oh my!’ At each fresh surprise” from Wind in the Willows

There is something quintessentially British about picnics – as Ratty and Mole (and Mrs Beeton) can attest.

Business as usual with the British Summer then – with a ‘once bitten, twice shy’ Met Office refraining from rash “BBQ Summer” predictions, we can all carry on as usual. And that means making plans for lots of lovely outdoor activities – and then having a good old moan when they’re rained off!

But we’ve had some really good days and we’ll get some more surely? And when we do, we should make the most of it and head for our parks, beaches, woods and countryside with that most British of culinary delights – a picnic.

The indomitable Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management says a proper picnic should consist of – no less than thirty five different dishes! Fortunately, you don’t have to aspire to that! We have some simpler suggestions and a handy guide to help you with the practicalities.