Room For One More Picnic

Even though it's the last week of August, there's still plenty of time for picnics. Actually in some parts of the country you can virtually eat outside til late November. The only difference is that you may want to include heartier fare in your picnic basket.

Now that apple and raspberry season are coming up , there's always orchards that will let you pick and eat. Farms such as New Jersey's Delicious Orchards of Colts Neck, located in Monmouth County's horse country, have set up picnic tables for those who want to eat first and then get to the business of fruit harvesting. Delicious also has a varied indoor store that not only sells produce but beverages, meats , cheese and fresh baked goods. You can easily create a gourmet picnic from their many products and then sit out under the trees. You can also pack sandwiches from your house such as ham or roast beef along with some juices and boxed milk. If the weather gets a bit nippy then have a thermos of hot cocoa, tea or coffee.

Fall picnic anywhere are fun. This is the time you can slip in a good wedge of sharp cheddar to be sliced over whole grain bread.A cooler weather picnic deserves something hot and that would be a thermos of hot vegetable or beef barley soup. Also think about bringing non alcoholic cider or fresh made doughnuts to round out the meal. Remember that September and October are beautiful picnic months. Take advantage of the brisk weather to enjoy deserted beaches or mountain paths.

It may be the end of August but that does't mean it's the end of picnic season. You have two more months to pack a really glorious meal and enjoy the sun , water and air.