Picnics and Lemonade Ice Tea

Today is National Picnic Day. And as luck (or as I prefer to think) God would have it, this year National Picnic Day falls on a Sunday. It’s the Lord’s Day of Rest. What can be more relaxing and restful then a picnic?

Whom shall we thank for the concept of a picnic? Why the French, of course. Piquenique – it means to eat outdoors in nature – and to savor that experience. It comes from the 18th Century, a popular al fresco dining experience. Picnics need not be all that elaborate. A bottle of wine and a loaf of bread could be a picnic. Maybe some fruit taken on a stroll could be a picnic.

Folks in the country might not appreciate the whole eat outside concept as city folks do. This is especially true for office workers compared to farmers. I’ve seen many a farming family take their lunch break without leaving the field. So they might think the idea of spreading a blanket on the ground and eating cold sandwiches is nothing special. However; those who slave under artificial light in the towers of steel and glass need to breath that fresh air and recharge their spirits.

No picnic retreat can be complete without first disconnecting from all those devices that chain us to the rest of humanity in an often unhealthy and stressful way. It always amazes me how many people I see taking selfies of everything – documenting their communion with nature to relive later. Guess what? You might not have experienced it in the first place. I know, I’m a fine one to talk since I have a camera with me most of the time. It’s all in how you approach the whole outdoor experience. First, take a deep breath, soak it all in, and when you find that sweet spot of peace, snap a picture if you must. It’s important to be in the moment before it slips away.

One of the things we like to do on a picnic is to have either a thermos of sweet ice tea or a thermos of lemonade. On a road trip a few years back, we made up two giant batches – one of each – to enjoy as we picnicked up and down I-5 through California, Oregon and parts of Washington State. Today’s share is the best of both – sweet tea and lemonade. Enjoy!

Lemonade Ice Tea
1 (12 oz) can Frozen Lemonade Concentrate
12 cups Water
9 large or 14 regular Tea Bags
1 cup Sugar
2 whole Lemons

Thaw lemonade concentrate, set aside. While the lemonade thaws, in a large pot bring water to a full boil. Remove from heat, add tea bags. Cover and let steep for 8 minutes.

Stir in sugar, continue to stir until the sugar dissolves. Add lemonade concentrate, stir to blend. Cover pot and refrigerate until well chilled.

Funnel or pour into a pitcher for serving. When ready, slice lemons into wedges for serving. Pour teal over ice in a glass, serve with lemons ad desired.

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Looking for more picnic ideas? Here are links to Picnic Days from the past.

Mile High Picnic Day
Mile-High Picnic Sub Sandwiches and Macaroni Picnic Salad

Springtime Picnic Menu
Smoked Chicken Salad Sandwiches with Butterfly Pesto Salad, Assorted Fruits and Cheeses

Croissant Picnic Day Menu
Roast Beef and Monterey Blue Croissant Sandwiches with Prosciuto Melon Skewers, Tomato-Basil Pasta Salad and Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes

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Lord, show us the path of a righteous life glorifying You in all we do