Each year our church has an annual picnic at the park. I hear the same thing from my Grandmother as soon as the date is announced, “What can I to bring to the picnic?” Our church handles the hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken and drinks, but it is up to the rest of the congregation to bring the side dishes and desserts. Here are a few ideas in case you aren't sure what to bring to your next church picnic.
Fruits and Veggies
For individuals like my grandmother, simplicity may be key. She doesn't have the energy to bake or prepare a big salad. She can, however, purchase a cantaloupe, honeydew or watermelon and cut them up into individual slices. Fresh fruit always goes quick at a summer barbecue. Of course, if you do have energy, consider turning your watermelon into a basket and adding mixed fruit inside of it.
Veggies can easily be arranged on a veggie platter with some dressing for dipping in a cup in the center. My veggie trays usually include carrots, broccoli, celery, olives, pickles and sugar snap peas. For the dressing, mix a packet of dry salad dressing with a container of sour cream. I prefer ranch, but other flavors are just as good, such as onion and vegetable.
Salads
When it comes to salads, anything goes. I like to make a kielbasa pasta salad for our church picnics with an Italian dressing base. I have tasted many other pasta salads that are just as good that don't use Italian dressing at all. Broccoli salad is always a hit, for example, and this salad uses mayonnaise. Of course, you can also make a tuna salad, a chicken salad or a garden salad.
Desserts
Who doesn't love a good dessert? The most common dessert I see at the church barbecues is chocolate fudge brownies. Yum! You can get creative though and make lemon squares, pineapple upside down cake, Rice Krispies treats or decorative sugar cookies. The only desserts I don't recommend bringing are those that need to stay refrigerated. It's usually quite hot out and there are no refrigerators around.