This time of year, we all enjoy nestling up by a fire, cuddling under a blanket on the couch, or enjoying a warm cup of joe at the local coffee shop. If someone were to propose a winter picnic at the local park, you’d probably think they were crazy. But don’t be so quick to dismiss the idea. With these four tips for hosting a winter picnic, you’ll be up for having lunch outside in January any time. KEEP WARM Maintaining heat in winter is at the forefront of all concerns, and your winter picnic is no different. Be sure to pack hats, scarves, gloves, blankets, socks, and an extra set of clothing for unexpected changes in the weather. Believe it or not, a large beach umbrella is extremely helpful in protecting you from the winter elements. You can even plan some active picnic games to keep your body moving and the heat flowing! LIGHT A BONFIRE If the location of your picnic permits, light a fire to cozy up next to. Some beaches and campgrounds have designated firepit areas to start a fire while enjoying a warm winter meal. You can even cook your food over the fire! Remember to be careful when building a fire in the wilderness and take proper safety precautions. It’s Cozy Season! 4 TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL WINTER PICNIC
PACK HOT MEALS Picnics are all about ease and relaxation! Here are some toasty and hearty winter picnic meal ideas to help warm you up:
• • • • •
Soup Stew
• • • •
Baked mac and cheese Loaded baked potatoes
Pot pie
Quiche
Toasted sandwich or panini
Chili
Warm brownies
KEEP IT SIMPLE Remember, it doesn’t need to be complicated! Even just a thermos of hot chocolate; some warm, freshly baked cookies; a bunch of blankets; and hats and gloves are plenty for a winter picnic — ultimately, it’s all about soaking up the beauty of the most wonderful time of the year!
YOUR MONTHLY NEED-TO-KNOW
Easy Cherry Cobbler
WHAT DOES THE MERCEDES-BENZ LOGO STAND FOR? When Emil Jellinek, Gottlieb Daimler, and Carl Benz founded one of the world’s first luxury car companies in 1926, they wanted to commemorate the occasion. So, they made their logo a three-pronged star to symbolize universal motorization. The three prongs stand for land, water, and air. CAN FROGS BREATHE UNDERWATER? Most frogs and toads can breathe through their skin. But they also have lungs they can use to breathe with. When the amphibians stay submerged underwater or buried in soil for long periods, they use their skin to breathe. DO BEARS SLEEP ALL WINTER LONG? A common misconception about black bears, brown bears, and grizzly bears is that they hibernate during the winter. Hibernation is when an animal will “sleep” through the winter, but bears don’t do this. While they slow down and are less active in the colder months, they don’t hibernate all winter.
INGREDIENTS
• •
1/4 cup salted butter, melted
• • • •
1 cup granulated sugar 1 tsp baking powder
1 cup cake flour or all- purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 21-oz can cherry pie filling
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. In the bottom of a 2.5-quart baking dish, pour melted butter. 3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and milk until combined. 4. In the baking dish, pour batter over the butter, and don’t stir. Then, pour the cherry pie filling over the batter, and don’t stir. 5. Bake 45 minutes, or until crust is golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Inspired by Life-In-The-Lofthouse.com
513-438-8152 • 3
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator