The French ‘pique-nique’ is a tradition that dates back to the 17th century, originally derived from ‘piquer,’ meaning ‘to pick.’ Today, it is synonymous with enjoying a meal outdoors on a blanket, a perfect expression of the French art of living. In France, known for its endless summers, picnicking is more than a simple outdoor meal; it is a celebration of life and culture. With its rich gastronomic tradition, a French picnic often features a selection of cheeses, fresh bread, charcuterie, seasonal fruits, and, of course, a bottle of local wine. These moments, spent in the shade of an old tree or by the riverside, are an ode to the art of savoring life. The scenery provides the perfect backdrop for gatherings with friends and family, where each dish is carefully chosen to embody the essence of French cuisine and the joy of being together.
For a successful picnic, preparation is essential. Think of a large picnic blanket with a plastic underside, plastic cups and glasses, and a multifunctional corkscrew/bottle opener. A spacious cooler bag is indispensable, as well as durable plates, cutlery, and plastic containers for all the snacks.
And then the food;
A few ideas, but here are some extra suggestions: pasta or rice salad, potato salad, watermelon slices (with sticks to keep your hands clean), summer fruits like strawberries and blueberries, sparkling drinks, and of course, baguette with homemade hummus. French cheeses, chips, nuts, and dried fruits complete the feast. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and find a spot in the shade.
Some suggestions include:
- Quiche Lorraine: Mix beaten eggs with cream, bacon, and grated cheese. Pour the mixture into a pre-baked pie crust and bake until set and golden brown.
- Niçoise Salad: (pasta or rice variant): Combine cooked pasta or rice with tuna, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, black olives, green beans, and a vinaigrette dressing.
- Ratatouille: Sauté diced eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, and onion in olive oil with herbs until it becomes a flavorful vegetable medley.
- Baguette with French cheeses and charcuterie: Serve a freshly baked baguette with a selection of French cheeses, ham, salami, and pâté.
- Tarte Tatin: Caramelize apples in butter and sugar, cover with puff pastry, and bake. Flip it so the apples are on top.
- Fruit salad with French liqueur: Mix fresh fruit with a splash of liqueur (such as Grand Marnier) and let it sit for a while to infuse.
Drinks
Wines
Rosé: Almost synonymous with sunny days, rosé is refreshing and light, pairing well with a wide range of picnic foods, from sandwiches and salads to fruit and snacks.
Sauvignon Blanc: This white wine is crisp and refreshing, with aromas of citrus and green apple, making it a great choice for seafood, chicken, and light salads.
Pinot Grigio: Another light white wine, perfect for a relaxed day outdoors. It has a fresh, subtle flavor that pairs well with light cheeses and simple pasta salads.
Prosecco: If you have something to celebrate, or simply love bubbles, Prosecco is a festive addition to any picnic. It’s light, slightly sweet, sparkling, and pairs beautifully with fruit and desserts.
Chilled Beaujolais: This light, fruity red wine from France is an exception to the rule that red wines don’t pair well with picnics. It is best served slightly chilled and pairs well with a wide variety of foods.
Riesling: A Riesling can range from dry to sweet, but they all offer a nice acidity that can cut through richer picnic foods like quiches and grilled vegetables.
Beers
Pilsner: This light, refreshing beer with a mild hop bitterness and a clear, golden color is a great choice for a relaxed picnic. It’s crisp and versatile, making it a good match for a wide range of picnic foods like sandwiches, chips, and salads.
Witbier: Also known as Weizen or Wheat Beer, Witbier is a light and often mildly spiced beer that’s perfect for warm weather. With hints of spices like coriander and citrus, it makes a tasty pairing with seafood, chicken, or fruity desserts.
Session IPA: If you’re looking for something with a bit more flavor, but still light enough for a picnic, a Session IPA can be a great choice. These beers offer the hop-rich aromas and flavors of traditional IPAs but with a lower alcohol content, making them refreshing and easy to drink.
Non-alcoholic drinks
Ice-cold lemonade: Nothing says summer like a glass of homemade lemonade. It’s refreshing, easy to make, and you can customize it with various flavors, like strawberry, raspberry, or mint for an extra twist.
Iced tea: A classic for outdoor activities, iced tea is both refreshing and hydrating. You can go for traditional black tea or switch it up with green tea, white tea, or even herbal infusions like hibiscus or chamomile. Add a few lemon slices and some honey for a naturally sweet taste.
Fruit smoothies: Blend your favorite fruits with some yogurt or juice to create a nutritious and refreshing smoothie. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy treat while outdoors. Popular combinations include banana-strawberry, mango-papaya, or blueberry-spinach for an extra health boost.
Water:
- Cucumber water: This is a wonderfully refreshing and hydrating drink. Simply slice a cucumber thinly and add it to a jug of cold water. Let it infuse for a few hours so the flavors can blend. Cucumber water is subtle in taste and incredibly refreshing.
- Lemon water: A classic for refreshment and hydration. Squeeze the juice of one or two lemons into a jug of water and add extra lemon slices for decoration and flavor. Lemon water not only helps with hydration but also gives a boost of vitamin C.
- Mint water: Add a handful of fresh mint leaves to a jug of cold water. You can also enhance the flavor with cucumber or lemon slices for an even more refreshing twist. Mint water is invigorating and perfect for hot days.
These infused water drinks are not only simple to make but also very healthy, offering a great way to boost your water intake while enjoying nature.
So, grab your basket, find a beautiful spot, and enjoy the summer with a delightful French ‘pique-nique.’ It’s an experience that enriches both the taste buds and the soul. Definitely worth trying!
CouKoe Lifestyle 