Picnic dates?

[Injured Soldier]

I've got a date with a very lovely Christian girl next Sunday, and we are going on a picnic. She is a wonderful cook and loves nice tasting food, but for this time I've said I'll prepare everything. I've got an old style picnic basket to put everything in and going to try to put lots of nice food in it. Unfortunately my knowledge of the culnary art is sadly lacking. Lucky for me picnics can be easy done with a minimal knowledge of food preperation.

What sort of foods should I include in my picnic basket (hopefully there is no Yogi Bear anywhere about to steal it!)? Fruit, cheeses, deli meats, chicken, do these things need to be carried in a cooler with the champaigne, or will they keep in the basket until lunchtime?

I'm planning to buy her roses and attach little poems on a few things in my picnic basket to say how wonderful she is and how I care about her, etc. Just to keep conversation flowing if there is a short time of silence, or I make a fool out of myself every time I open my mouth.

Lastly, if anyone remembers, can you say a prayer for me throughout the week. Pray I can honour and uplift this girl as my sister in Christ, as well as a romantic interest. I guess in dates we remember the latter but neglect the more important former purpose of dates.

 

[Living4Him03]

Wow. I think you've got it covered. Then again I'm one of the simple girls guys claim to like yet never ask out Anyway, all the things you listed sounds good. Make it mostly light fair instead of heavy stuff. Chocolate covered strawberries are nice for dessert The roses with the poem idea sounds really sweet. Hope it all goes well!

 

[TriptychR]

We're talking about Aug. 29, right? Otherwise I've missed the boat...

I think a cooler in addition to a basket would be a smart move, especially if you're going to have meat and dairy. The lineup you stated sounds excellent, though, but don't forget the bread! A nice, fancy-looking loaf sounds like it would compliment everything you mentioned.

The only other thing I'm worried about are the poems. It's definitely a sweet idea, but you don't want to go overboard with it, right? How long have you known this girl?

 

[RadG]

Wow. I think you've got it covered. Then again I'm one of the simple girls guys claim to like yet never ask out

How about if you are in the Tampa, FL area let me know and I will treat you to a Cuban sandwich , it just can't be on Sunday because Juan's Black Bean Deli is closed then. Now at least one of us guys that claim that we would ask out someone like you has .

RadG

 

[Living4Him03]

Thanks RadG...and now back to the picnic!

 

[Injured Soldier]

Thanks for the ideas folks. They are very much appreciated.

We're talking about Aug. 29, right?

Yes TriptychR. Otherwise I've missed the boat too!! I emailed her a reminder to add to her diary, so all is well.

The only other thing I'm worried about are the poems. It's definitely a sweet idea, but you don't want to go overboard with it, right? How long have you known this girl?

Yeah, I don't want to go overboard, I've just included a few to come out at different parts of the day to add an interesting touch. I've known her for over a year, but only really started hanging out and doing stuff in groups in the church in the past 3 or 4 months.

 

[wvmtnkid]

IS- I think that sounds like a good idea. I would second adding some bread, maybe a nice crusty French bread, or a sweet Italian bread would do the trick. Something else that might fit in there good for dessert would be a couple of slices of pound cake or angel food cake. Nice and sweet, but they can also been eaten with fingers and not too messy.

And I am sure you know this, but don't forget the nice, comfy blanket to sit on!

I hope you two have a nice time. I will pray for you as you have requested. Let us know how things go!

 

[Sascha Fitzpatrick]

Karmilata olives always go down well - specially with a bit of camembert and a 'light' meat - don't want salami breath (whether you're gonna kiss or not - it's BAD)...

Also, I'd toss in a nice wine - a nice Cab Sav would do nicely, or if you drink only non-alcholically, get some Billabong or Lambrusco/Maison (if you get them in America)...

For sweets - mini cheesecake would be nice (or chocolate cakes) - muffins also do the trick...

All the best and let us know how you go!

 

[Chilufya]

I won't make any menu recommendations, because tastes can vary like snowflakes. You know what you like, and you should have some idea what she likes.

Instead, I'm gonna reiterate, re-stress, reinforce, re-whatever: KEEP STUFF COLD. Keep the stuff iced. Keep the stuff in a cooler.

NOTHING can ruin a date like having to run to the bathroom every 15 minutes because of food poisoning. Urking on your sweetie's shoes kinda spoils any good impression you are trying to make, as well.

Jeff

 

[KeilCoppes]

camembert

Side note: Kudos for good cheeses from cheese fan!

Back to the picnic.

 

[carine]

How did the picnic go have you gone on it yet??

 

[Brittany108]

How sweet!!! Don't know of any additions regarding food, but kites are always fun during a picnic!!! (depending ofcourse on where you go & if there is a nice breeze) I hope it goes well!!!

 

[Injured Soldier]

Haven't gone on it yet, Sunday is the day.

wvmtnkid, got a comfy blanket and going to the bakery on my way to her place to buy the nicest crusty bread I can find, so I can impress in the freshness stakes. Thanks for your great ideas and especially thanks for your prayers. They are most appreciated.

Sasch, thanks for the suggestions, I've included the wine, and I'm also taking a 1lt bottle of water in the wine cooler also just in case it gets a bit too hot during the day. Cheeses is difficult, my date is a cheese conusseuir (part of her job). So I thought I won't try to impress her with cheese, I just bought a three pack of Tasmanian cheese and also got some nice looking pate to go with water crackers. Your other suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Jeff, food poisoning was going to be the highlight of the date! I've got a small cooler packed with plenty of cooler bricks, but thanks for the remind. Can never be too careful, eh?

Brittany, kites are awesome (and were high on my list of fun things to do), unfortunately our August winds around here suddenly died down a week or so ago, but will keep it in mind for future ideas. Thanks heaps.

 

[wvmtnkid]

I am excited for you Injured Soldier. I hope things will go well for the both of you!

 

[Injured Soldier]

Hi everyone, it's about time that I report in how it all went. I thank you all for your prayers and great advice.

It was great. We picnicked by the beach and talked, she enjoyed all the food but didn't like pate and we had a great time. We then went for a walk for a while (we ended up 2 beaches to the north), then danced a bit. The worst part of the lot was the weather, it was overcast and it started sprinkling near the end, but I even made a joke of it and I think it all worked out perfect. She invited me to dinner tonight, and we are both looking forward to it.

So again, I am forever in debt of everyone who gave advice. It was all wonderful, and hope one day I can give half as good advice as you all did. Thanks.

 

[wvmtnkid]

WooHoo! Sounds good so far, IS!