When you’re putting together a picnic hamper, a little


Everyone loves a picnic. There’s something very special about eating outdoors. Somehow the fresh air seems to make even the simplest of foods taste that much better. 

When you’re putting together a picnic hamper, a little common sense is important. If you are carrying perishable foods, such as cooked chicken or seafood, then do make sure you pack in a cool bag with plenty of chilled freezer blocks to keep it safe.

A picnic doesn’t have to be complicated to taste delicious. Good things to put in include: 

  • Decent cheese: maybe a farmhouse Cheddar or delicate soft goat’s cheese. 
  • Sliced meats: good-quality ham, cut from the bone, Italian Parma ham, salami – whichever you enjoy eating. 
  • Bread: crunchy French baguette, good granary or a tangy sourdough. 
  • Summer fruits: cherries, strawberries, raspberries, juicy peaches. Bring along a whole watermelon and cut it in slices; kids love it. 
  • Salad: sweet cherry tomatoes, crunchy radishes, cooling cucumber, crisp lettuce leaves.
  • Olives: black, green, with stones or pitted, flavoured with garlic, stuffed with anchovies – the choice is yours.

If you’ve got the time, I think it’s rather nice to cook something for the picnic that can be served cold. My recipes for Warm Chicken à la Vinaigrette or Grilled Tuna Steaks à la Nicoise, served cold rather than warm, would each make a simple but stylish centrepiece. Roast beef, beetroot and horseradish is a great flavour combination which you can assemble at the picnic. 

Eggs come into their own for picnics. Hard-boiled eggs are always popular; don’t forget to bring along some salt and pepper for dipping. For a dainty treat, try hard-boiled quail’s eggs, served with celery salt for dipping – a classic combination of flavours. My Spanish Omelette, which is delicious served at room temperature, is great for vegetarians. 

Just in case the weather doesn’t behave as it should, having some hot soup in a thermos flask to warm everyone up is a great idea. My velvety Leek and Potato Soup is very tasty. Simply pour it into mugs and serve it with hunks of granary bread. Equally, if the sun is shining, serve my soup chilled, as the French do.