Picnic Checklist

In the previous article, we suggested that you start a picnic checklist, improve it over time, and keep it handy for picnic prep. Here's a list to get you started. Scratch out the items you don't need and add others until you have the perfect list for your family. If you keep the list on your computer, you can print out a new copy whenever you need it.

We suggest keeping picnic and camping items in large containers in the corner of your garage where you can grab them in a moment and be ready for an outing.

* Cooler

* Ice for cooler (we prefer those "blue ice" blocks that can be frozen in the freezer and reused)

* Eating and serving utensils

* Tablecloth or picnic blanket

* Cutting board and two sharp knives-a serrated knife for bread and a paring knife to cut vegetables and other foods

* Napkins and paper towels

* Cleaning wipes

* Moist washcloth in a zipper-type plastic bag

* Hand towel

* Seasonings (we keep a small plastic tub filled with seasonings plus salt and pepper)

* Sugar

* Condiments

* Vegetable oil for cooking

* Grill and propane or charcoal and fire starter

* Cooking pans and utensils

* Camping stove if you use one

* Drinking water

* Beverages

* A good book and family games with which to wait out a summer storm

* Repair kit (we keep a tiny repair kit with a strip of duct tape, a sewing kit, a small pocket knife, and a length of pliable wire)

* Matches

* Flashlight

* Can opener

* Insect repellant

* Sunscreen

* Calamine lotion

* First aid kit

* Roll of aluminum foil

* Trash bags for refuge

* Camera

* Bathing suit

* Folding chairs

* Map

Dennis Weaver is the general manager at The Prepared Pantry (http://www.preparedpantry.com) with recipes, ideas, and the best selection of mixes and ingredients. Visit the free Bakers' Library for more articles like this, free baking guides, and tested recipes.

---

High Altitude Baking - A Cooks Guide

High altitude baking can be a real adventure for the... Read More

Modifying Your Recipes, More or Less

You just found that great recipe that you have been... Read More

Two for One Dinners: Pork

If you find leftovers boring, uninviting or downright "yuck," then... Read More

How to Prepare the Best Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Would you like to prepare the best Garlic Mashed Potatoes... Read More

Buying, Storing, and Preparing Apricots

When buying apricots, always look for those that are firm,... Read More

Low-Budget Meals In a Minute

Ever go home and look in the fridge only to... Read More

The Best-Kept Secrets of Beef Revealed! Get Ready to Become the Meat Expert in Your Family!

Do you helplessly stand at the meat counter looking from... Read More

A Cookie Assembly Line: Efficient Cookie Baking for Busy Cooks

As a busy working mother, I'm short on time, especially... Read More

Troubleshooting Machine Bread

Bread machines-wonderful inventions that they are-don't think very well. You... Read More

All About Baking: Quick Breads

The Versatile Quick BreadIt's no wonder quick breads are so... Read More

Baking Bread and Your Freezer

There's a lot of bread in our freezer. In our... Read More

Fine Tuning Bread Machine Mixes

Sometimes bread machines can be tricky. We were trying to... Read More

Cooking Filet Mignon

Filet mignon is French, of course, with filet meaning "thick... Read More

Cut The Take Out

A long hard day at work. You get home and... Read More

10 Convenient Ways To Eliminate Food Poisoning With Your Microwave

Microwave ovens can play an important role at mealtime, but... Read More

50% Less Cooking

50% Less Cookingwithout hitting the fast food button! Don't you... Read More

How to cut a cake

Have you ever wondered how to cut a cake? I... Read More

How to Make Sandwich Rolls with Your Bread Machine

For that next picnic or family outing, consider making sandwich... Read More

What is a Serving Size?

Have you ever wondered how much a serving really is.... Read More

Fruit Cake

Are you the fruit cake in your family? Before you... Read More

The Almighty Beer-Can Chicken

A popular method of cooking chicken in recent years both... Read More

Garlic: A Quick Guide

Garlic, there's nothing like the smell of garlic. It's great... Read More

Understanding Baking: How Yeast Works

Did you ever wonder why flour tastes like sawdust but... Read More

Once-A-Month-Cooking: How to Make Your Plan Work

As one of the oldest children in a family of... Read More

Two for One Dinners: Eggplant

If you find leftovers boring, uninviting or downright "yuck," then... Read More

Compact Refrigerators Are Great When Small Is Needed

The small refrigerator can be used in many places that... Read More

Whisk Your Way To a Perfect Meal Every Time!

The whisk. A true versatile cooking utensil. Whisks come in... Read More

Pyrex Mixing Bowls ? A Kitchen Favorite

Pyrex mixing bowls typically come in sets of 3 with... Read More

Cooking Lobster at Home

Lobster has always be one of those extravagant meals which... Read More

Family Meal Planning Made Easy

As moms, we have hectic lives. Whether we work out... Read More

10 Deadly Bacteria That Can Get In Your Food (And How To Stop Them From Getting There)

Thousands of types of bacteria are naturally present in our... Read More

10 Wide Open Tips For Food Safety In The Great Outdoors

Hiking, camping, and boating are good activities for active people... Read More

Christmas Cookie Decorating 101

Many bakers ask for tips and instructions on decorating cookies.... Read More