For a successful picnic, you need to strike it lucky on two counts – good weather, and permission under your state government rules. Tick both boxes? Then take it outside. Make sure all your food is easily transportable – think savoury tarts, do-it-yourself sandwiches, and pull-aparts and focaccias. For sweet treats, we favour easy one-tray cake bakes (the pineapple and coconut number is a winner). Just don’t forget the picnic rug.
JoyBird’s chicken Scotch eggs with tarragon mayonnaise
Pea and mint dip with labne and radishes
Devilled ham with cornichons and cheddar
Artichoke and salted ricotta tart with salsa verde
Oregano eggplant with freekeh, feta and dill
Zucchini, black olive and goat’s cheese tarts
Rice salad with peas, mint, zucchini, lemon and pine nuts
Poached chicken and millet salad with peas and mint
Charlie Carrington’s Yemenite pickled cabbage and chickpea salad
Rare roast beef baguettes with roast tomato and currant chutney
Ginger cordial with mint, lime and cucumber
Buttermilk and vanilla cake with raspberries
Yoghurt and almond cake with orange-caramel peaches and vanilla yoghurt
Peach, raspberry and ricotta crumble cake
Chocolate madeleines with mascarpone and marmalade
Lime and coconut cake with pineapple glaze
