Find a patch of grass and sit down with someone to while away an afternoon with a basket of deliciousness.
The weather at the moment might be a little hit and miss - like love sometimes - but don't let that stop you organising a picnic outing with someone special. Pack a big rug or flax mat - this is imperative to stake your territory - take along a few comfy cushions to add a sense of luxury, stock up the basket with plenty of delicious food and wine, then find yourselves a shady spot under a tree somewhere and prepare to go nowhere all afternoon.
Instead of taking disposable paper plates and cutlery which end up in the bin, I recommend using china plates and good cutlery, which can simply be put back in the basket afterwards and taken home to be washed. Not only is this better for the environment, but it also adds an extra elegance to the proceedings.
Picnic food is best kept simple and easy to eat. The three recipes today are straightforward but tasty examples of classic picnic food.
The chicken pie mix can be made three days in advance or even frozen. I use chicken thigh meat for more flavour and tenderness.
