Spring a wonderful time for garden parties and picnics

Just another beautiful spring in Middle Georgia — don’t take this for granted, y’all! Instead, embrace it and enjoy being outside as much as possible.

Growing up in upstate South Carolina my parents were known to throw quite elaborate picnics. We would head to nearby Table Rock State Park or drive a bit further to Caesar’s Head and pick our spot for the day.

Mother would sometimes prepare Southern fried chicken on a Coleman camp stove. All the sides would be prepared ahead and packed for the outdoor feast. Extended family members would join in on the fun and we would have a wonderful time.

Other times picnics were more simple — sandwiches, chips and cookies filled the picnic basket. No matter the menu, the guests or the setting, one thing remained a constant: Food always tastes better when eaten outdoors. It just seems celebratory to pack a picnic.

My husband, Bill, and I seriously enjoy picnics. So much so, that a couple of times when the weather did not permit dining alfresco, we spread out our picnic in the living room. Don’t let foul weather put a damper on your plans — just switch to Plan B.

There is no lovelier backdrop than springtime in Middle Georgia for a great picnic. Whether sharing the afternoon with “just the family” or inviting lots of friends to join the celebration, plan your outdoor gathering with food safety in mind. Remember to keep hot foods hot (over 140 degrees.) and keep cold foods cold (below 40 degrees). I know it’s special to have a picnic table or blanket loaded with ALL of the food out, but bear this in mind: When your prepared foods are left out (and not safely stored maintaining their proper temperature zones) the clock is ticking. Leave food out for no more than three hours. And as our mothers used to say, “If in doubt, throw it out!” Don’t you know by now that your mother is always right (seriously).

Let’s get into the kitchen and pack a picnic basket filled to the brim with lots of great stuff suitable for outdoor dining.

Sandwiches range from simple to elaborate, and one of my favorites falls somewhere in between. Garden Club Spirals are basically pinwheel sandwiches prepared using burrito-size flour tortillas spread with a ranch-seasoned or Italian-seasoned cream cheese spread, then layered with sliced deli meats, shredded cheeses and crisp baby lettuces. Rolled up and wrapped securely with plastic food wrap, these can either be simply eaten out-of-hand as in “wraps” or removed from the plastic, and sliced into pinwheel sandwiches, showing off all of the layers of goodness within. I prefer this method. It’s prettier. Vary your deli meats and cheeses to suit your tastes. Let your culinary imaginings wander — roast beef and horseradish cheddar, ham and Swiss, turkey and Havarti ... the choices are endless.

Other items for your picnic basket can be showcased and stored safely in wide-mouth canning jars. Fruit skewers or tomato caprese skewers, pasta salad or potato salad, dips and individual portions of desserts (strawberry shortcake or tiramisu, anyone?!). Canning jars keep the food safe and never get your goodies waterlogged — even when buried in your cooler deep down in the ice.

Throw in a couple of bags of your favorite chips, snack mix or crackers and your favorite beverages, and you’re set for a day of fun. Get out and enjoy the beautiful picnic weather and scenery. Summer will be here soon enough.

This story was originally published May 3, 2016 at 10:16 PM with the headline "Spring a wonderful time for garden parties and picnics."