As the Summer of 2020 starts to wind to a close, we’re continuing to offer our weekly family picnic posts. Many families are in a state of flux and confusion right now. Schools are reopening — or not. Kids are distance learning — or not. Parents may be going back to work in physical office buildings rather than at home. Everything, in August 2020, is more confusing than it was last year at this time. And that means families need fresh ideas to help them connect around food, fun and conversation more than ever.
With weekly family picnic ideas, you can add a little extra fun to your regular evening meal. Try a picnic to liven up Friday nights and usher in the weekend, or to kick off the start of a new school week. And someday, when things feel more normal again, these family picnics will be great for taking meals on the go — or just to the backyard for a change of pace.
This Week’s Family Picnic Menu
A refreshing chicken Caesar salad makes the perfect main dish for this week’s family picnic. It’s simple to make and our recipe, from blogger April Hamilton, omits the anchovies for a kid-friendlier approach. Serve cheesy basil garlic bread from our book Eat, Laugh, Talk: The Family Dinner Playbook on the side, and finish the meal with a seasonal berry crumble that’s as much fun to make as it is to eat.
Dress-it-in-a-Bowl Caesar Salad uses ingredients you probably keep on hand to make an irresistibly crunchy, lemony main dish salad with grilled chicken for protein. Swap in shrimp, salmon or beans for the chicken if you’d prefer!
Dress-it-in-a-Bowl Caesar Salad
Cheesy Basil Garlic Bread is an irresistible addition to any meal. Our recipe makes enough for your freezer, so you’ll have some prepped and ready to go for another night.
Berry Crumble is an iconic summer dessert. Make the most of whatever berries are in season near you!
Fun
Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of heroes have stepped up to make a difference in some way. Honor the frontline healthcare professionals, teachers and other essential personnel in your community with our Message in a Bottle activity!
Conversation
Speaking of heroes, spend some time tonight talking about people you admire (or don’t) with these conversation starters.
