Picnic Pleasure

Going on a picnic captures the spirit of summer in a certain way. We frequently had picnics as kids at the picnic table in the backyard, below a large cherry tree. Except for when the cherries ripened and the birds feasted on the tiny, sweet cherries, which caused a terrible mess, we picnicked. We cleaned that picnic table of cherry pits and cherry juice after "cherry season," and it was once again ours.

Picnics come in all shapes and sizes, often evoking fond recollections. The other day, in a lovely wildflower garden, I saw (from a distance, of course) a memory being created beneath an arbor.

A grandma and her two young granddaughters were enjoying a straightforward meal of sandwiches and lemonade. Grandma assumed as she poured the lemonade that it was an exotic beverage from a distant continent, produced with the most unique lemons ever cultivated. The bread used to make the sandwiches came from a royal bakery. The sweetest strawberry jelly made from vibrant red strawberries and peanut butter made by squirrels—the only squirrels who knew how to gather the best peanuts—were smeared on the bread.

These young girls will undoubtedly remember this picnic forever. (I will!) We carry many pleasant culinary memories with us throughout our lives. Why are picnics important, and why does food have such a strong emotional connection to them?

A grandma and her two young granddaughters were enjoying a straightforward meal of sandwiches and lemonade. Grandma assumed as she poured the lemonade that it was an exotic beverage from a distant continent, produced with the most unique lemons ever cultivated. The bread used to make the sandwiches came from a royal bakery. The sweetest strawberry jelly made from vibrant red strawberries and peanut butter made by squirrels—the only squirrels who knew how to gather the best peanuts—were smeared on the bread.

These young girls will undoubtedly remember this picnic forever. (I will!) We carry many pleasant culinary memories with us throughout our lives. Why are picnics important, and why does food have such a strong emotional connection to them?

Picnics can be little or large, unplanned or with the goal of doing something unique and special, a moment in time spent with special people, possibly in a special place, and most often outside. The concept of a picnic doesn't have to come first in the summer. A shared "winter" picnic in front of the fire is a perfect setting.

It's likely that you have memories of picnics from your youth, perhaps even a romantic picnic. A picnic frequently becomes memorable because it fosters feelings of psychological well-being, nostalgia, and happy memories of relationships. Everything about the environment, the cuisine, and the people you were with was enjoyable. Dopamine was released as a result of the comforting and joyful feelings the situation brought about. Dopamine is about pleasure, motivation, and rewards and it helps your brain recall and preserve good feelings.

Set up a picnic. Invite your friend or friends. Find a basket; it's necessary for the atmosphere. Although it doesn't contribute much to the atmosphere, a cooler is necessary. Create a simple or complicated menu. Locate a picnic area.

Children adore themes. Try having a Peter Rabbit picnic with your favorite "stuffed rabbits" and carrots of course. Whatever your age, go on a date night picnic. Take a picnic at sunrise or a breakfast to kick off the weekend.

A picnic might be a blessing for your summer.

Recipe Tip

This recipe works well using a rotisserie chicken cut in bite-size pieces.

Combine 5 cups of chicken pieces with 1 cup of small grapes or larger grapes cut in half, 1/2 cup sliced celery, 1/3 cup finely chopped green onion, 1/3 cup finely chopped sweet pickle, 1/3 cup lightly toasted slivered almonds, and 1/3 cup dried cranberries.

Make a dressing of 1/3 cup mayonnaise mixed with 1 tablespoon sweet pickle juice. Stir into chicken mixed. Season with salt to taste.  Servings: 4