Picnic Ready

Now tht the weather is finally getting warmer, it's time to start some picnic prep. You can go for a quaint basket or go Downton Abbey style with china and cutlery. Of course there's the Styrofoam containers and coolers too.There are many choice out there for many picnic styles.

One of the simplest is the old fashioned wicker basketThis is just a simple osier box with handles (think what Dorothy carried in The Wizard Of Oz). This is perfect for just sandwiches and cookies. Some have room for thermoses along with  small bottles and cans. These can go from around $50 to a whopping $200. If you want to get all Lord and Lady Crawley, then check out the super elegant ones atwww.picnicbasket.com. This amazing site has all sorts of them for any kind of outdoor eating. There is one that not only comes with fine china and elegant cutlery, there are also ceramic mugs and a fleecy throw too.Picnic Basket also sells ones that have cheese boards and knives along with salt and pepper shakers.Again, these are perfect for eating in a romantic or elegant setting. For a more practical al fresco meal, think plastic, It's more sturdier and durable than wicker along with being better for less genteel places like the mountains or the beach.You could also think about canvas, which is just as sturdy and waterproof. A canvas picnic basket is perfect for those days at the shore or toting foodstuffs to a boat.

One of the most popular picnic containers is the simple Styrofoam  box.It's' easy to pack sandwiches and drinks i n it. It's the perfect container for mayonnaise rich summer salads too, thanks to having chilled ice packs in the bottom. Another plus is that it's easily cleanable . You can spill anything on it and not worry about it staining (unlike wicker which can be ruined by oil or soda). Another good thing in its favor is the price and availability . Starting prices can be around five or six dollars to ten or fifteen , depending on the size. every grocery and big box store like Target and K-Mart sell them  and you can pick one up easily when you're vacationing at the shore or lake.Of course if you want to spend more there is the Igloo Brand.These are perfect for all sorts of outings from Little League games to a Sunday on the sand. The best part is that most of the Igloos are on wheels  which make them perfect for toting around. As for plates and cups, you can buy paper ones which means just toss after using. However you could also buy reusable plastic or melanine ones that just require a quick wash and rinse when you get home.

The weather is quickly turning nice, beckoning us to enjoy a meal outdoors.. Be picnic ready with a wicker hamper or Styrofoam cooler.Whatever you choose will be perfect for your al fresco meal.

Environmental eats

As Earth Day draws upon us, it's time to start thinking about her and her bounty. After all the planet has been good to us for a few milleniums and it's time to give back.

How?

How do we reduce our culinary carbon footprint?

Well, for starters don't go too crazy when you visit Red Lobster. The world's seafood population is quickly diminishing and some fish species will be on the endangered list. Hard to imagine the average cod on this, right up there with Indian elephants and bald eagles but it's true. We spent the last century overfishing our seas and oceans. Even crustaceans and mollusks aren't safe anymore. Eat fish and seafood but try to put a cap on gorging yourself on them. Cut eating seafood down to half of what you're eating now.

Another way you can eat "green" is by buying from local farms for your fresh fruit and vegetables. You don't have to get produce that's coming in from across country or South America (if you're in Europe, some of your more exotic produce probably comes from Africa). Try to buy locally grown greens that haven't been trucked in by gas guzzling semis or fuel wasting jets.Besides the local farmers will appreciate the business and you'll benefit from eating just picked picked tomatoes, corn , and melons.

if you're entertaining, stick to cheep reusable plastic utensils and dishes. Using paper means more trees have been destroyed and using styrofoam means another landfill full of non bio-degradable stuff. Go to yourlocal Target, K-Mart or dollar store and pick up plastic plates and glasses.Unfortunately you're going to have to use water to wash then but keep that at a bare minimum. Use environmentally friendly dish soaps and don't go overboard with the rinsing.

It's easy to be an environmental eater. Just be conscious of what you eat, and where it comes from. Also make a habit of being green about your table setting and washing up afterwards. Mother Earth will thank you by producing more of your favorite fruits and veggies.