When it comes to picnics and barbecues, Southern Ontarians have a longstanding love affair with classics like potato salad and hot dogs. Our neighbours from other parts of the world, however, remind us that feasting outside in nice weather evokes endless other food possibilities. Different waves of immigration have gradually, undeniably upped the wow factor of feasts in our parks. Exotic fruits, refreshments from other continents, and hot dishes lovingly prepared in time-honoured spices elevate al fresco dining to another stratosphere.
The Halton and Hamilton-Wentworth regions feature outstanding picnic sites such as Lowville Park (Lowville), Hidden Valley Park and LaSalle Park (Burlington), Waterdown Memorial Park (Waterdown), Tannery Park and Gairloch Gardens (Oakville), and Dundas Driving Park and Christie Lake Conservation Area (Dundas). Once you’ve decided on the perfect setting, consider expanding your horizons by embracing new culinary fare.
Look Local asked two families from different cultural traditions what they typically bring to their family picnics. Here are their ideas and recipes to awaken your taste buds!
Margarita Cardona, originally from Colombia, loves taking her family on day long picnics. This requires stamina, which is easily provided by ready-made treats. Margarita packs ripe, fresh fruit (such as nectarines, cherries and watermelon), and savory snacks (popcorn, and tortilla chips and salsa) to get the party started.
To keep everyone energized, Margarita shares a pro tip: “Something we make sure we pack, always, is a thermos with hot coffee! Colombian coffee, just black. We are coffee drinkers and we are not always sure we will have access to a coffee shop.”
The main meal is kept simple, such as a protein packed egg or tuna sandwich, or a quinoa salad. For dessert, a delicious homemade cake rounds out the meal! Margarita also adds a taste of Columbia to her picnics by either preparing a tasty plantain snack ahead of time, or barbecuing it on the spot.
Bushra Faisal also loves to create healthy food for her family. Bushra’s background is Pakistani and when she picnics she brings a variety of dishes including salads, chicken dishes, and desserts.
“Some of our favourite foods include Chicken Biryani, Chicken Karahi, Qeema (minced meat with green chillies), Kabobs, Naan, Qatlian (Potato slices cooked with spices), and fresh fruits, especially watermelon, cut into pieces,” Bushra says.
This popular Pakistani recipe (see below) is ideal for preparing in advance and cooking on the grill at your picnic site.
Make your next picnic memorable by bringing a few of Margarita and Bushra’s ideas to your table!
