While it may seem like a "duh" moment when you hear that there are a lot of veggies that taste great at room temperature, it's a good thing to keep in mind for a picnic. I know that I tend to think of sandwiches and salads, as well as cookies and other treats, all of which can pack up nicely, but not of things that are usually served hot. At home, I usually cook and serve vegetables right away, but as I noshed on a leftover ear of grilled corn on the cob, I realized that it would be perfect picnic fare. With corn, you can grill it or boil it, tuck it into a ziploc bag (once it is cool) and bring it along. Once you hit the picnic table, you can still butter and salt it or, better yet, use some lime juice to really bring out the flavor.
Other cooked veggies that I like at room temperature are artichokes, which require a little more preparation than corn on the cob since you'll need a spoon to remove the choke, but are excellent even when chilled (try lemon juice and salt to avoid bringing heat-sensitive dips outdoors), asparagus (if they still have it at the markets in your area), zucchini/summer squash and any kind of beans. Of course, you can always add in some raw veggies, like tomatoes, cucumbers, celery and carrots, but you'll probably want some hummus or other dressing to make them a little more interesting since they're not as easy to simply spice up as cooked vegetables are.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-13-2006 @ 3:56PM
Gabriella said...
I make a nice roasted veggie platter for picnics. Along the lines of a antipasti platter. And it is so easy bc there is slightly less chopping than a chopped salad.
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7-13-2006 @ 6:26PM
Bruce Dearborn Walker said...
I can't think of anything better than a cold or room temperature artichoke, eaten by out of hand. A spoon is unnecessary since you'll use your pocket knife. Nothing like vegetables roasted in last nights' campfire, eaten for lunch after a few miles hike.
Or were you planning something closer to home?
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