5 Ingredients for a Gourmet Picnic
Many people are doing their best to stay away from crowded areas as much as possible in order to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. This includes eating in dine-in restaurants, which can be disappointing for people who like to celebrate and socialize by going out to eat. Fortunately, there's a safe way to eat out while still maintaining an appropriate distance from others. Creating your own picnic is a great way to enjoy fresh air and sunshine while eating gourmet food. Choose these five gourmet ingredients to make your picnic truly special.
1. Artisanal Cheese
Cheese is a must-have at any picnic. There are so many types of cheese to choose from that everyone in your family can pick the type they enjoy best. Soft, spreadable cheeses like brie are perfect for anyone who enjoys mild flavors. If you enjoy sharper tastes, bleu cheese is an excellent, aromatic cheese. Hard cheeses require less refrigeration, which makes them perfect for a picnic after a long hike.
2. Fresh Bread
Many of the foods typically enjoyed while picnicking offer strong flavors. Bread offers a hearty, neutral base to complement more piquant ingredients. Choose a loaf of fresh-baked bread from a bakery near you. French bread is soothing and yeasty with a soft, open crumb. If you long for something a little more challenging, bring a loaf of sourdough with you. If you want your bread sliced, take the time to slice it before you leave the house. Otherwise, you can simply tear into it with your hands instead.
3. Salumi
Salumi is a cured meat that is thinly sliced and often served with cheese and crackers. Salumi is often made from pork that has been carefully seasoned to perfection. This meat is very rich, and it pairs well with a crisp, white wine.
4. Olives
Olives are another delicious addition to any picnic. Olives are preserved in oil and brine. Sometimes they're marinated with fresh herbs for additional flavor. Each olive packs a big, bold flavor. Enjoy the salty, fatty taste of fresh olives with your bread and cheese.
5. Organic Jam
Don't forget to include some tasty spreads in your picnic basket. Organic jam is made from real fruit and sugar. It offers an all-natural sweetness that pairs well with the saltiness of cheese and smoked meat. Tart cherry jam is a unique fruit preserve that you won't find anywhere but a gourmet food store. Also, consider apricot jam and orange marmalade.