Making Your Picnic Bette a (NAPSA)—Backyards nation- wide will play host to fun, family picnics. You can make yourpicnic a Better-Than-A-Picnic Picnic by following a few simple tips from Cooper Munroe, blogger and co- founder of TheMotherhood.com. Plan lots of fun, simple activities—sack races, bubbles, tug-of- war, sidewalk chalk and kicking soccer balls—but allow plenty of timefor free play, too. Give back—choose a charity that’s meaningful to your family. Call the organization to say you'd like to do a service project or fund- raiser for it at your picnic and ask what the charity needs. Bring a big box to your picnic to hold the donations or get to work on planting flowers, painting shelves or the like. Let everyone in on the pleasures of picnic prep. Ask your guests to each bring a side dish such as fruit, baked beans or potato salad, or a menu staple such as hot dog bunsor ketchup. Great condiments can put a fresh spin on traditional barbecue fare. Set out ramekinsof colorful condiments such as jalapenos, cherry tomatoes, mild and spicy mustards, grilled and raw onions, There are many ways to make your picnics better than ever. Create a simple menu stocked with traditional grill items, including hot dogs. The only national, all-beef, kosher hot dog with no fillers, by-products, artificial flavors or colors, Hebrew National considers its franks to be “Better-Than-A-Hot-Dog Hot Dog.” Said Munroe, “With Hebrew National hot dogs, moms can know they are feeding their family something that’s better than just a hot dog. It’s premium beef.” To make those hot dogs exquisitely caramelized on the outside and doneontheinside, control the heat. Cook them on medium to medium-low heat and always use barbecue sauce andrelish. Bring drinks that are both fun and refreshing: lots of lemon- an instant-read thermometer to test for doneness. Grill the sides—veggies ofall kinds—along with the meat. and a colorful straw. grant, smoky flavor. Try carrots, ade andiced tea, garnished with a full slice of lemon, a sprig of mint Don’t forget the ice; keep all foods covered and be sure you have enough plastic tablecloths, utensils, napkins and paper towels. Also pack a wet washcloth in a plastic bag and a first-aid kit, calamine lotion and sunscreen. Bring a camera and ask someone to take lots of pictures. Grilling gives vegetables a fra- eggplants, squash, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, leeks and more. You can toast or warm bread or rolls on the grill, too. End the day with an interac- tive dessert—decorate cupcakes or have a sundaebar. Get more tips and recipes at www.hebrewnational.com.
