About Magazine Issue 38 - Spring 2008

Pack the perfect Picnic

One of best ways to celebrate summer is to enjoy some outdoor dining.  Keep your fingers crossed that our weather will give us a few clement days this year, so you can put our perfect picnic tips to the test.

What to eat and drink

The best picnic food is fresh and really easy to eat.  No one wants to be bothered with knives and forks, when you can just tuck straight into some tempting finger food.  Why not try your local butcher, fishmonger, greengrocer or deli for ideas or try these tempting recipes for starters:

Chicken kebabs with Sweet Chilli Marinade

Ingredients:

• 2 skinless chicken breast fillets
• 3 tbsp Thai sweet chilli sauce
• 3 tbsp Chinese oyster sauce

Method:

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in a mixing bowl
2. Add the chilli sauce and oyster sauce and stir to combine.  Set aside to marinate for 20 minutes, or longer if desired
3. Heat the grill.  Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece, and grill for 3-5 minutes on each side or until the chicken is just cooked through.

Serve hot or cold.

Quick Real Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 12 lemons)
• ½ cup sugar
• 6 cups water
• Lemon slices (to garnish)
• Ice

Method:
Place the lemon juice, the sugar, and a cup of water in a large pitcher.  Stir until the sugar dissolves, then add 5 more cups of water, a few slices of lemon to garnish, and plenty of ice.

What to do

Our top five picnic games are:

1. Sack race
2. Limbo competition
3. Skittles, croquet or bowls
4. Rounders or cricket
5. Hide and seek

Where to go

Alexandra Park is a beautiful Victorian setting for your picnic and there's plenty of space for sports and games.  You could even hire one of our tennis courts for a game before lunch.

Hastings Country Park has stunning views of the sea and miles of unspoilt countryside for your picnic.  There's a dedicated picnic site off Fairlight Road and on the East Hill.

The beach has the perfect picnic spot for everyone, whether you're looking for a quiet spot for a romantic lunch or a lively place for a family day out close to all the attractions.

St Leonards Gardens is newly reopened after a dramatic makeover and you can now enjoy your picnic in the Georgian splendour of Burtons' St Leonards.

What to take

Be careful not to over pack when going on a picnic, just take the essentials:

1. A waterproof rug or blanket
2. Insulated picnic bag or ice packs
3. Plates and cups
4. Rubbish bags for taking litter home
5. Sun cream and hat
6. Food and drink!

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