Picnics

Imagine delicious lobster, chicken or vegetarian sandwiches, fresh salads, muffins or chocolate truffles, enjoyed from the comfort of your own cheerful picnic blanket, surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in the world! This summer, at The Cape Breton Highlands National Park, you're in for a treat. The gorgeous views of highlands, beaches, lakes, waterfalls and forests can now be enjoyed at leisure as you dine al fresco on a delicious local meal prepared just for you by chefs from…

We’re logging quite a few beach days this summer, as our three children are the ideal age for this outing. Now that everyone knows how to swim, the beach is actually relaxing, and that is a welcome change after a decade of rescuing kids from the surf. After applying sunscreen to three little people, my main job is feeding them all and that takes some organization – and the right gear. This summer I’m dishing my best hacks for packing a cooler. On blistering hot July days, it takes some…

The author of “A Table for Friends” shares her secrets for the ideal informal outdoor meal.

The author of “A Table for Friends” shares her secrets for the ideal informal outdoor meal.

The author of “A Table for Friends” shares her secrets for the ideal informal outdoor meal.

A festive way to serve butter that showcases the colours and flavours of summertime.

In this summer sunset picnic for two, simple elegance meets seasonal eats in a pretty little dock feast. Strawberries are featured in the recipes and the mood is chill. Join us! So far, Nova Scotia summers have been a continuous invitation to bring dinner outside and I’ve been happy to accept. I’ve curated dozens of picnics for the beach, fired up the charcoal for patio eats and even brought a portable breakfast out in the kayak with me on a particularly fine morning. Meals enjoyed al fresco…

Loaded with grilled vegetables, cherry tomatoes and Cannellini beans, this antipasto pasta salad is the dish you need to round out your summer picnics.

Picnic idea

Adapted from All the Sweet Things by Renée Kohlman

Celebrate summer without spending the whole afternoon in the kitchen. A simple and sensational vanilla cake.

Bursting with flavour, this is our favourite picnic salad. I'm convinced it's better after an overnight in the refrigerator, so consider making the salad in advance of your picnic or barbecue.

In this summer sunset picnic for two, simple elegance meets seasonal eats in a pretty little dock feast. Strawberries are featured in the recipes and the mood is chill. Join us! So far, Nova Scotia summers have been a continuous invitation to bring dinner outside and I’ve been happy to accept. I’ve curated dozens of picnics for the beach, fired up the charcoal for patio eats and even brought a portable breakfast out in the kayak with me on a particularly fine morning. Meals enjoyed al fresco…

Perfectly portable picnic chicken. Baked, not fried, and even better on the second day.

Light, refreshing and endlessly adaptable, this may just be my favourite recipe for summer.

Perfectly portable picnic chicken. Baked, not fried, and even better on the second day.