There are many ingredients that combine to make a great bench. Materials, location, size, height, color, and vibe all spice up a bench in unique ways.
One of my favorite activities is sitting on a bench. My second favorite activity is eating (sometimes 1 and 2 switch places, but this is not one of those times). My third favorite is doing math (I am majoring in math and this is a lie I will tell myself until it is true). Thus we have
Benches + Eating = Happiness.
Bench culinary extravaganzas allow diners to enjoy three of the best parts of life: nature, food, and friends. I have previously explored the bench part of bench picnicking, but I think it is necessary to further unpack the picnicking part.
For the above equation to be true, there is one condition: eating must be easy. For happiness to be obtained, potability is key. Bench meals require mobility, minimal stickiness, and container security. With that in mind, most foods can be prepared in a way that is particularly happiness-inducing.
Though it may be some time before you can bench picnic yourself, I offer some recipes that are perfect and easy (and also good quarantine meals). There are seemingly infinite picnic food options available to explore (please let me know your suggestions!), so I will leave just these four:
Fruit Salad:
- Combine whatever fruit you have on hand
- Transport in individual travel cups with sealable lids and bring forks for easy consumption
Loaded Hummus:
- Hummus is a healthy option with a lot of nutritional value
- Sabra or store brand hummus works great too, but I like this recipe a lot
- Bring chips and napkins
Salad:
- I personally love salad for picnics, it just feels so fresh and nature-y
- Prepare your preferred salad (I recommend this one) in sealable containers and mix in dressing right before you leave for the park
Lemonade/Ice Tea/Water
- The night before, pour desired drinks into reusable bottles and store in the fridge so they stay nice and chilled
- note: must be reusable because we love the Earth!
- Bonus: My mom’s secret lemonade recipe is 1 cup lemon juice, 1 cup sugar, 1L of water in a pitcher, don’t tell her I told you
While wasting away during quarantine, now is a great time to practice your culinary skills in anticipation of the next adbenchure.
lets go on an ad•bench•ure 