Easy Picnic Menu

Impromptu picnics, outings with children and the inevitable chaos of our daily lives can sometimes make gourmet picnic menus impossible. No worries - you can still have a wonderful time enjoying a delicious meal without spending a long time in the kitchen. Here's an easy menu of picnic recipes that anybody can whip up in a matter of minutes.

Use the convenience of the deli section at your grocery store to your advantage. You can often find hot-from-the-oven artisan breads, sliced meats and cheeses, gourmet crackers and pre-made sides. For this fresh, delicious menu inspired by sidewalk cafes in France and Italy, grab yourself a baguette, 1/2 pound of fresh mozzarella, sliced provolone and a rotisserie chicken. Then, head on over to the produce section for a few large ripe tomatoes, fresh basil leaves and a bunch of seedless red grapes.

At home, you'll be using the fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and fresh basil to make caprese salad. Slice the mozzarella and tomatoes approximately -+ inch thick and cut into smaller pieces. Slice the basil leaves, or leave them whole if you prefer. Mix it all together in a lidded bowl with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper to taste.

Place your caprese salad, sliced cheese and rotisserie chicken in the insulated portion of your cooler or picnic pack. The grapes and bread can be transported in a separate section of your basket or bag. Enjoy the rotisserie chicken on chunks of crusty bread along with the sliced provolone cheese.

Put the finishing touch on the meal with this easy recipe from Giada de Laurentiis of Food Network's 'Everyday Italian' series: Iced Tea with Grenadine. In a large ball jar (or transporting container), mix together 4 cups of iced tea (fresh or store-bought), 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 1/4 cup grenadine. Pour it over ice when you're ready to serve. (Source: FoodNetwork.com).

A great picnic basket or pack is the ideal way to transport your food and all the essentials you'll need to enjoy your meal. The Hunt Club Picnic Basket for 2 (pictured left) is one of many beautiful and convenient options available to choose from. This elegant willow basket features a burgundy cloth liner, plenty of space for all your food and beverages, and complete service for two people.