Springtime – my favourite time of the year! I know, some people would argue that there’s nothing better than sitting in front of a roaring fire on a cold winter’s night, or that you couldn’t beat a day chilling on the beach, basking in the hot summer sun, but hear me out.
Like most people, I tend to hibernate during the winter months but come springtime it’s a different ball game.Imagine this, a crisp morning with just a little edge (everyone loves a little edge, right!) that turns into a full-fledged stunner of a day. Spectacular blue skies, gentle sun warming your face, birds chirping, shade from lush leafy trees, crisp fresh air.Come on! It’s like having the best of both worlds.You can practically feel nature just coming alive all around you. All you really want to do is sink your feet into fresh grass to connect with the earth.
It’s like nature’s saying: “Go ahead and get moving outside. Take a deep breath and just explore”.In that instant, it’s like “Operation: Maximise Vitamin D” is in full swing!
We South Africans are a social bunch and look for any opportunity to connect with family and friends. So what better way to experience spring it all its glory than with a fabulous picnic.
Living in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, we are spoilt for choice with some epic picnic locations around the country.Little gems like Stonehaven, Ethel and James Park, Kieviets Kroon, Durban Botanical Gardens, the Japanese Gardens in Durban, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Hazendal Estate, Green Point Park or Cape Point Vineyards – to name a few!
Whatever your spot of choice is, the beauty of a picnic that there is no prescribed formula.Whether you opt for a blanket or prefer a simple pillow and throw or can’t decide between family-friendly board games like Jenga or the company of a good book, the choice is yours.What’s important is the connection. Living in the moment and enjoying the experience with those you love.
Of course, there are some serious physical and psychological benefits to indulging in a picnic – improved mental health, fresh air, improved vitamin D, bonding and reflection time.Over and above the health benefits, the key to a good picnic is good food.
If you’re anything like me, having great snacks are an absolute non-negotiable.A good picnic basket is essential.We’ve done all the hard work and created a picnic basket cheat sheet here with some of our favourite ingredients.
- A salad in a jar – Try a lemon chicken quinoa salad or a Protein power bowl with lemon tahini dressing
- Picnic Centrepiece – Try homemade pizza (topping options below) or chicken wraps
- Crackers and dip – Try homemade hummus and Nairn’s GF Wholegrain Crackers
- Grab and go snacks – Try our blueberry biltong, Crede Natural Oils Raw Almonds
- Seasonal fruit platter – A mix of your favourite fruit like grapes, berries or
apples
- Thirst quenching cocktails – Try our Elderflower cordial with a dash of gin
- 7.Some sweet treats – Try Nova Dark Chocolate Smooth Peanut Butter or Caring Candies Sugar-Free Candies
So take advantage of the season of rebirth by packing a basket of delish treats, gathering your best conversation party and heading to your favourite picnic spot.
THE ULTIMATE HOMEMADE PIZZA
Step 1 – Select your base
Step 2 – Pile on your toppings of choice
Gluten-free cheeses
- Provolone
- Mozzarella and smoked mozzarella
- Cheddar
- Feta
- Gorgonzola
Gluten-free meats
- Bacon
- Lamb
- Chicken
- Shrimp
Gluten-free vegetables and fruit
- Artichokes
- Black olives, green olives, Kalamata olives, Laharna olives - chilli
- Garlic
- Tomatoes
- Green and red peppers
- Onions
- Pineapple
- Chilli’s
- Spinach
