Picnic Time Insulated Basket from Chefs Catalog

The gorgeous weather we’ve been having has made me want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. That means eating outside, too! This weekend, my friends and I are headed out to a Shakespeare festival in the park. Not much beats nibbling on tasty picnic-worthy bites and sipping a bottle of chilled wine under the stars.

One of my favorite picnic treats is a summery gazpacho, made with fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. A soup may not seem like the most practical thing to transport for a picnic, but it can be if you pour the soup in individual platic containers with tight lids. I serve it with crunchy crostini, which I toast up with a bit of extra virgin olive oil on a grill pan or on the grill before I go. Pasta salads, cut up fruit and cheese are also practical picnic treats.

The Metro collapsible picnic basket from Chefs Catalog is a savvy choice for your alfresco meals. It’s insulated, keeping items warm or hot for hours. The waterproof liner can be wiped clean easily, and an expandable drawstring top increases storage space. Bon appetite!