Everyone has had unique, impressionable experiences in childhood that shaped how we see ourselves today. No childhood is exactly the same even if you live under the same roof. Perhaps I’ve become more reflective in my thirties, but I realized how deeply our experiences and perceptions shape our core beliefs. Growing up on a horse farm in rural Vermont was incredibly idyllic and peaceful. It was a childhood spent having tea parties in my mother’s garden and playing in the pine woods, which my siblings and I appropriately called the “Secret Forest.” With the arrival and passing of every season, there was something new to celebrate. Whether it was picking the heavily laden apple trees in the orchard during the fall, or the resplendent peonies in the spring, we were taught to cherish every seasonal blessing. My childhood revolved around the seasons in such a rhythm that I haven’t fully felt since. With such vast grounds for us to play and explore in, every day held a new adventure in our little world.
No matter the weather or season, my mother would usher us out the door for a family outing. Any Vermonter knows that it can be quite bleak in the winter, not to mention a frozen like tundra with arctic cold winds. With six (yes, six) seasons, the weather is always the talk of conversation. It could be a gorgeous warm blue day and nearly below freezing the next with a chance of snow. The fickle New England weather can be quite difficult to plan around. Nevertheless, my mother would make it a point to organize an outing with some family friends, regardless of the weather. You can be sure if there was a sunny day in the forecast, the whole neighborhood would be frolicking outside. In her resourceful multitasking way, she would pack up sandwiches, treats, and the like to rally us all outside. Whether it was in the heart of winter or a lazy day spent by the pond, she always managed to put something together to bring along and share. All our little family picnics were simple, using what we had and what was growing in the garden. The seasons even more so, inspired what we could rustle up from the pantry and where to go explore. Every one had its own traditions and annual activities that even the smallest among us took note of what the season had in store. We rightly called out if any were to be missed, especially if it involved mud, snow, or sand. There was always something to look forward to with every passing month, each unique.
“Picnicking was simply a way my mother showed us how to appreciate the natural beauty around us, be resourceful, and how to be present with those we love.” –Alanna O’Neil
It was these seasonal family moments that I will never forget. They have shaped how I see the world and how there is so much beauty in simplicity in the little things. I find those old traditional values are more important than ever to hold to your heart when we have so many distractions vying for our attention. Picnicking was simply a way my mother showed us how to appreciate the natural beauty around us, be resourceful, and how to be present with those we love. Even if I’m alone, taking a moment to pause with something sweet in the summer sun is incredibly nourishing. These memories have inspired me to create this collection of recipes and stories. They convey a sense of place, belonging, and warmth with a familiarity of sharing a beautiful meal outside.
The Art of Picnics is divided into four seasons, with unique menus for each that I hope entice you to head outside. They are centered around seasonal activities with a complementary story. The recipes are family favorites, some old and new that can be easily adapted to your own taste and what you have on hand. You will find that the majority of these recipes can be prepared beforehand. The recipes are meant to be shared with your family and friends so that everyone can contribute to a wholesome and fun outing.
I hope you find inspiration to gather with those you love in the great outdoors, celebrating life’s simple joys.
The Art of Picnics
Seasonal Outdoor Entertaining
Written by Alanna O’Neil
Recipes courtesy The Art of Picnics Copyright © 2021 by Alanna O’Neil
Photography by Alanna O’Neil
Cover design by Jermaine Lau
Copyright © 2021 by Alanna O’Neil
Published by Yellow Pear Press, a division of Mango Media Inc.
Copyright ©2024 Edible Vermont. All rights reserved
