Read by Michael Flamel

When my dad—chef, storyteller, and picnic enthusiast extraordinaire—declared, “A meal always tastes better outside,” he wasn’t just talking about the food. He was talking about the experience. The laughter. The way a breeze carries the scent of fried chicken and cinnamon-spiced peaches through the air. The magic of spreading out a checkered blanket and digging into a feast under a shady tree with friends and family.

Picnics, you see, are more than just meals—they’re a tradition woven into the very fabric of American history. Long before we were packing wicker baskets with deviled eggs and three bean salads, early American settlers were hosting “outdoor feasts” to celebrate successful harvests. Inspired by European customs, these gatherings were a mix of community potlucks and frontier ingenuity, where food was plentiful and nature provided the perfect dining room.

By the 19th century, the picnic had become a social affair—a proper event, complete with blankets, baskets, and a spread of homemade delicacies. Families packed cold fried chicken and fresh-baked pies, while lemonade was served from glass jugs. It wasn’t just about eating; it was about slowing down, enjoying the outdoors, and making memories.

And that’s exactly how my dad saw it.

Summer in our house wasn’t complete without at least a few legendary picnics. Whether we were at a sun-dappled park, a breezy lakeshore, or right in our own backyard, Dad would pack our basket with his best garden-to-table creations. His crispy, golden fried chicken, marinated in buttermilk and packed with homegrown herbs, was always the star of the show. Deviled eggs—his own mayo-free, tangy, herby twist—kicked off every meal, while three bean salad and cucumber-tomato medleys brought fresh crunch to the table. And let’s not forget dessert: Dad’s legendary cinnamon peach pie, so beloved that I rarely managed to snag a second slice before it vanished.

These were the meals that defined our Summers—simple, fresh, and filled with flavors straight from the garden. This collection is our tribute to those golden picnic days, a celebration of recipes that bring people together under the open sky.

So, grab a blanket, gather your friends, and let’s feast like we’re in the pages of history—one deviled egg, one crispy chicken leg, and one slice of pie at a time.

Now tell me—what’s your perfect picnic spread? ❖