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Food

Making Your Picnic Better

Posted: 7/21/2010

There are many ways to make your picnics better than ever.

(NAPSI)- Backyards nationwide will play host to fun, family picnics. You can make your picnic a Better-Than-A-Picnic Picnic by following a few simple tips from Cooper Munroe, blogger and co-founder of TheMotherhood.com.

• Plan lots of fun, simple activities-sack races, bubbles, tug-of-war, sidewalk chalk and kicking soccer balls-but allow plenty of time for free play, too.

• Give back--choose a charity that's meaningful to your family. Call the organization to say you'd like to do a service project or fundraiser for it at your picnic and ask what the charity needs. Bring a big box to your picnic to hold the donations or get to work on planting flowers, painting shelves or the like.

• Let everyone in on the pleasures of picnic prep. Ask your guests to each bring a side dish such as fruit, baked beans or potato salad, or a menu staple such as hot dog buns or ketchup.

• Great condiments can put a fresh spin on traditional barbecue fare. Set out ramekins of colorful condiments such as jalapeños, cherry tomatoes, mild and spicy mustards, grilled and raw onions, barbecue sauce and relish.

• Bring drinks that are both fun and refreshing: lots of lemonade and iced tea, garnished with a full slice of lemon, a sprig of mint and a colorful straw.

• Don't forget the ice; keep all foods covered and be sure you have enough plastic tablecloths, utensils, napkins and paper towels. Also pack a wet washcloth in a plastic bag and a first-aid kit, calamine lotion and sunscreen. Bring a camera and ask someone to take lots of pictures.

• Create a simple menu stocked with traditional grill items, including hot dogs. The only national, all-beef, kosher hot dog with no fillers, by-products, artificial flavors or colors, Hebrew National considers its franks to be "Better-Than-A-Hot-Dog Hot Dog." Said Munroe, "With Hebrew National hot dogs, moms can know they are feeding their family something that's better than just a hot dog. It's premium beef."

To make those hot dogs exquisitely caramelized on the outside and done on the inside, control the heat. Cook them on medium to medium-low heat and always use an instant-read thermometer to test for doneness.

• Grill the sides--veggies of all kinds--along with the meat. Grilling gives vegetables a fragrant, smoky flavor. Try carrots, eggplants, squash, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, leeks and more. You can toast or warm bread or rolls on the grill, too.

• End the day with an interactive dessert--decorate cupcakes or have a sundae bar.

Get more tips and recipes at www.hebrewnational.com.

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