Summer Picnic Hampers
Illawarra Mercury
Tuesday February 24, 1998
PICNICS are the perfect way of showing you care for someone in a practical way.
For lovers, a picnic of favourite foods eaten in a beautiful location is the ultimate in romance.
For families, picnics are a great way to get everyone out-of-doors, away from the television and computer games, to enjoy fresh air, exercise, healthy food and each other's company.
Caterer Monika Armstrong from Culinarius in Wollongong said more people were buying picnic hampers for all sorts of festive occasions, such as surprise birthdays or wedding anniversaries.
"But also I'm finding people are getting them, instead of floral tributes, for people who have had babies or for funerals."
Monika had one client from interstate buy a hamper for her daughter who had just had a baby. Busy mums always appreciate a bit of pampering.
And a hamper delivered to someone who has suffered a bereavement could be the ultimate comfort food, as he or she copes with a houseful of people extending their condolences.
These summer days leading into the crisper autumn weather are just perfect for eating al fresco and the Illawarra also is blessed with many scenic picnic spots - beaches, rainforest glades, the Botanic Garden and other parks.
Monika has even catered for a group cruising Port Kembla aboard the MV Toronto.
Monika charges from $50 for a hamper for two, which includes chairs, table, crockery and cutlery and a staff member to serve the goodies of your choice.
"Every basket is unique," said Monika.
"Sometimes we do a three-course meal and we can cater for vegans, people on gluten-free diets and other dietary needs."
Monika prepared a picnic for six for Qantas flight attendant Miranda Vescio. The hamper featured a tossed salad with sun-dried tomatoes and snow-pea sprouts, marinated chicken drumsticks, quiche, mud cake, home-made apple pie, crusty rolls and seasonal stone fruit.
You can fill your own hamper with some of your favourite dishes or try out the recipes on this page supplied by Monika.
Monika's Picnic Drumsticks
Ingredients:
60g butter
8-10 chicken drumsticks
2 tbsp finely chopped parsley
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp each dried rosemary, thyme and oregano
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp paprika
1 tbsp soy
1 tsp crushed black peppercorns
Method:
Melt the butter in the baking dish, and roll chicken pieces in butter. Combine remaining ingredients and sprinkle over all sides of chicken. Bake in a preheated moderate oven (180C) for 25 minutes. Turn pieces over and bake a further 25 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
© 1998 Illawarra Mercury
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