What’s In Your Picnic Basket? #getsummerstarted

I don’t ever remember waiting for summer like I do since I moved to England. After all the grey skies and rainy days all I want is the sun! We were lucky last week to have a couple good days to get out and enjoy clear skies.

Sainsbury’s asked me to share with you how I get my summer started and we start our summer as we mean to continue; with a picnic and great company! The first three essential picnic things you need are a blanket, basket/bag, and someone to share it with.

We have had the same picnic blanket for 7 years it’s great because one side is plastic to keep it getting wet from the grass, it’s also machine washable. The picnic basket/bag we use I bought about 3 years ago and it’s been everywhere with us! Both were bought at my local Sainsbury’s, every year they come out with new designs and styles so keep our eye out if you are in the market for a good blanket and bag!

But on to what really makes a great picnic… the food!

Here’s what is in my picnic basket:

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches cut in 4 triangles to share

Sausage Rolls

Cocktail Sausages

Sainsbury’s Spanish Tapas Selection

Babybels

Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Tabolleoh

Bag of salad

Fruit Salad

Veggie Sticks

Hummus, Caramelized Onion is our favorite

Breadstick minis

Crackers/Pitas individual packages

Rice Krispie Treats (recipe below)

Juice Boxes

Bottle of Water

Don’t forget a plastic container or two for the salad and forks! A plastic bag for trash is also handy as most parks have trash bins. It makes the picnic bag lighter for the nice refreshing walk afterwards.

We are lucky enough to have a big park and canal near by where there are plenty of places to go and run and play. Our favorite stop on our walk is the bridge where we stop to play Pooh (as in Winnie-the-Pooh) Sticks. We collect different sticks on our way there just to throw them over the bridge on one side then racing over to the other to see whose comes out first.

We also like to feed the ducks, but on this occasion didn’t bring any bread. Although recently I read something saying you shouldn’t feed ducks bread. It’s not good for them apparently. Might need to invest in some duck friendly food sooner then later as the days get warmer.

So, I’m curious what’s in your picnic bag? Tweet me (@unitedcakedom) or tag me in on Instagram (@unitedcakedom) a picture of your picnic or share your favorite picnic food and I will be sure to like and re-tweet it with my readers!

Biscoff Rice Krispie Treats

75g butter

250g mini marshmallows, divided in two portions 200g/50g

150g smooth or crunchy Lotus Biscoff spread

130g Rice Krispies

Line a rectangle pan/tin/whatever with grease proof paper. Place the butter in a saucepan and once melted, but not burnt add 200g of the marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Take off the heat and mix in the biscoff spread and stir until smooth. Add the Rice Krispies and the remaining 50g of marshmallows and mix until it’s all covered. Moving fast put in your lined tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Leave to sit for 2 hours or more on warm days. Cut into squares and enjoy! They keep up to 5 days in an airtight container.

notes: in association with Sainsbury's - FYI the sausage rolls and other snack bites are usually on offer 2 for 3GBP