Eating in Bristol

Create the perfect picnic

Now that spring is here and the sun is shining it's time to head to the nearest park for some outdoor eating. Sure, everyone knows you bring sandwiches, some crisps, and maybe something sweet to finish off your meal, but why not take it up a few notches and put together a portable meal fit for a king (or the Queen)? Sit back and let Itchy lay out the gingham blanket and create the perfect picnic feast.

And don't forget to pick something refreshing from Itchy's picnic drinks list to wash it all down with.

pinic table people eating food outdoors table

Nibbles

Edamame
Take a note from the Japanese and bring some edamame to start out with. You can buy these soybeans pre-steamed, or you can steam and salt them yourself. And if the conversation between you and your picnic date comes to a standstill, you can occupy yourself with nibbling the beans out of their shells to fill the space.

Chickpea Salad
Obama's fave chef, Jamie Oliver, cooked up the idea for this summery salad. Cut up red onion, chillies and tomatoes and then toss in lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. Heat up chickpeas in a pan, then add most of them to the mixture, leaving a small bit to mush up for added texture. Let it all marinate and just before servings toss in some fresh mint and basil and top it all off with crumbled feta. Picture eating this, fresh lemon tingling your tongue and warm sun streaming through the trees and let us know when you're as hypnotized as we are.

Artichoke Dip
Spice up some fresh vegetables or tortilla chips with this easy, cheesy artichoke dip. Toss together equal parts Cheddar, Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses with a (un)healthy dollop of mayonnaise, some salt and pepper and chopped artichoke hearts (don't worry, they come in cans).

Main Meals

Pizza Baguettes
Easily prepared and really, really good. Cut open several baguettes and lay them crust side down. Spread on tomato sauce and sprinkle with your favourite kind of cheese, and then add any delicious toppings you can think of. Pepperoni, bacon, onions, peppers, olives ... the possibilities are endless. Finally, toss them in the oven until they're melty and a little crunchy. Your friends will no doubt be impressed at your showing of culinary prowess.

Marinated Chicken Wraps
Another way to look like a fancy shmancy chef without much bother. Put garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, orange marmalade, honey and a bit of chilli power into a bowl, mix and then pour over several trimmed chicken breasts in a casserole dish. Let them marinate for an hour or two and then throw them in the oven and cook 'em until they're a bit blackened. After that slice them up, toss into a pita with lettuce and some pineapple, and you've got yourself some sexy, tropical-inspired fare.

Desserts

Cupcakes
Itchy has a real soft spot for cupcakes, especially when they're enjoyed outside, in the sun with a few good friends who won't mind if there's a bit of frosting on your face. Use an electric mixer to beat butter, sugar, flour, eggs and vanilla extract until you have a light, creamy mixture. Bake at 180(celcius) for 15-20 minutes, then let them cool. Beat a mixture of butter, sugar, and vanilla for the frosting. We'd also suggest a bit of food colouring to turn them various fun shades. Why should little children have all the fun?

Mars Bar Peaches
This awe-inducing recipe comes from Nigella Lawson and we think you'll find it absolutely peachy keen. Get it?! Yeah, sorry, we're getting a bit carried away now. To make this summery treat, simply cut peaches in half, remove the pits and replace them with half a fun sized mars bar, then sandwich the two halves back together. Wrap each peach in tin foil and place it on the edge of your grill for about ten minutes, or as long as it takes for the chocolate to get all kinds of gooey, melty and delicious. If you aren't travelling too far, bring some vanilla ice cream to serve them with.