Knock on my door with a basket full of tasty treats, a bottle of wine and a blanket in your hand any time. Take me with you on the back of your bike to the park or by the water for picnic, and I’m all yours. Well, I’m not sure how many men out there in the world are doing such romantic things, but if you (as a man that is) are reading this, then this is your complete guide to a delicious and original picnic. Not just bread, dips and a block of brie from the local corner shop, but with everything made by you. I’ve been sure to make it not too complicated to prepare and serve. All you have to do is dive into the kitchen for a short moment. And for the ladies, this is perhaps also useful to surprise a friend or your guy. Pic(k) nic a few ideas from the list, knock on someone’s door and steel their heart.

Shrimp
At the fishmonger you can often find large boiled and peeled shrimps (or prawns). Not much more is needed and they are super tasty. Make it a dip such as homemade lemon mayo. Put the mayonnaise in a Tupperware container, dip and eat.

Chicken
At a poelier or poultry store you can buy chicken wings (preferably free range). After roasting in your favourite seasoning they are perfect served cold. They are yummy enough to be eaten on their own and don’t really need a sauce. Although finger licking delicious, be sure to provide plenty of napkins.

Cheese

Go to a good cheese shop and let them advise you. Don’t choose a huge stinker, because it will overpower the entire basket, but a few different cheeses are always good. Put the cheese in a bit of tin foil to then use as a plate rather than the plastic wrap it will probably come in.

Baguette
If you fancy bread, buy a fresh baguette from the bakery. Don’t pre cut it at home, then it will dry out too quickly. You can just tear off big chunks.

Dip
Maybe you are a bit over chickpea humus. In that case, I have a delicious dip made from peas. Something different.

Greens
There should also be a little salad, but keep it simple yet tasty. It is often such a hassle with lettuce, so make a mix of tomato, cucumber, avocado and basil. Sprinkle the mix with a good olive oil, balsamic vinegar and a little salt and pepper. Eat this salad straight from the container, handy right?

Sweet

Fruit is always a good idea. Make a delicious fruit salad and put in a container with a good sealing lid. Add a squeeze of lemon juice in there to stop the fruit from browning. Keep the container in the fridge for as long as possible before heading to the park. A little slice of this banana bread is also a great sweet treat.

(Cold) wine
Last but not least. At a good wine store you can find a wine chiller that you keep in the freezer, then put it over your bottle of wine before popping it in the picnic basket. Mmmm crispy cold wine in the sun. There’s nothing like it.

And it is of course important to have a nice large rug that can get a bit dirty. Don’t forget the serviettes, and plastic disposable glasses are the most convenient. Saves lugging home a bunch of dishes. The same applies for plastic plates. Just take a sharp knife and two forks.

This weekend think I’ll spend a little time in the kitchen then go out and surprise someone.