Graeme Pallister, chef patron of 63 Tay Street in Perth, knows how to turn a simple picnic into a special occasion
What images come to mind when you think of a picnic? A grand, elegant affair with champagne and crudités, or a well-worn thermos flask full of tinned soup with a cling-film-wrapped squashed cheese sandwich?
For me, it’s lots of friends and family sitting on a rug (parents get the seats!) on a grassy hill somewhere. It might even be sunny for a change. The kids will be arguing over who ate the last chicken vol-au-vent and every so often a misplaced kick of a football causes havoc when it destroys the neatly arranged ‘banquet’!
A picnic is a fantastic way to extend and enhance a day out. If you’re in the city you can find a park and really soak up it’s urban feel. Or if you’re out walking or bagging a munro you can take advantage of a beautiful view to eat and rest – it can be a great incentive knowing you have real treat ahead to help get you through that extra mile!
But quite often a picnic can be a last minute decision where you nip into the supermarket to stock up on prepared salads and finger food. However, if you plan in advance, it can be something really special, with your friends and family each bringing something different to be shared.
It doesn’t have to be just sandwiches, there are lots of exciting choices to be made: roast chicken drumsticks, grilled vegetables, potato and egg salads, melon (spiced with gin perhaps), crispy tortillas with various fresh dips, fruit kebabs or simply some good cheese or a roast ham.
For me, one thing that is an absolute must at a picnic – Victoria sponge with cream and strawberries or raspberries. Without it I become a proper grumpy chef! So if you are thinking of a day away soon, spend a little time planning your basket. It can turn a day out into a cherished memory.
Chef’s Tip
I love roast chicken on a picnic. The night before, roast a chicken with half a bulb of garlic and half a lemon placed in the cavity. Once cooled, pick the meat from the bone then squeeze the garlic and lemon over the chicken pieces and toss in a little olive oil and seasoning. This can then be used in wraps, or as part of a salad. Try it with diced avocado, some Scottish soft cheese and spinach leaves. Yum!
