Winter is such a beautiful time to get out and explore, don't you think?
The ocean is crystal clear, the bush comes alive with wildflowers and whales start putting on a show as they move along the coast. As school holidays approach, we reckon the best way to enjoy a winter’s day out is to pack the right food - so you can stay warm, energised and nourished - from the inside out.
Our intrepid CEO and local adventure-lover Lauren shares some great tips on what we should be packing in the family picnic basket this winter. She reckons the key is to keep it simple and start with fresh, local ingredients - then you can’t go wrong!
'In winter our bodies are looking for a little more nourishment, which means we really need to make sure we are eating food that’s fresh and grown locally and sustainably. This means what you're eating is nutrient-dense and can give your body the right kind of love to stay warm and fight off any nasty winter bugs.'
Lauren's Food Guide for Winter Adventures
Activity - A Winter Hike
Hikes all about the snacks, right? (Just make sure you save some for the way home so that you’ve got something to motivate the kids up the last of the hills!)
THE SNACKS
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Mandarins – jam packed with vitamin C and easy to peel, they are a winner when you’re on the go!
THE LUNCH
Salad Baguettes
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Sourdough Baguette Sandwiches – using a sourdough baguette means that the bread won’t go too soggy and they’ll hold up pretty well in your backpack. I’m a sucker for a salad sandwich or you can keep it low key and use amazing local peanut butter from Chunky Dave (there’s a reason his peanut butter is always sold out!!)
For the salad sandwiches I love:
Activity - Whale Watching
The best time of day to see whales is in the morning because the ocean is calmer, making it easier to see their spray. So why not get up a little earlier pack a takeaway brekky and head out to the coast? Find a spot where you can sit down and get the rug out – whales are something you can’t rush!
BREKKY
Creamy Porridge with Macadamia and Banana
This recipe is so moorish! Want to know the secret? It's the fresh single origin oats – rolled not dried.. This means they are jam packed with nutrients and amazing oaty flavour. Cook this up at home, then pack in individual takeaway container. Wrap them in a tea towel to keep it warm.
Morning Glory Muffins
Bake this these satisfying muffins day before. Remember you can swap out the carrot and pear for what ever fruit and veg you’ve got hanging around in the fridge. Again just wrap them in a tea towel for transport.
Tea or Coffee – For the big people, make up a thermos of tea or coffee to take along with you.
Activity - Starry night picnic
One of our favourite winter activities is an early evening picnic. The kids love watching the sun set and the city light up. Of course, it can get cold - that’s where a warming dinner comes in.
NIBBLES
Start with a
classic cheese platter for the adults whilst the kids get stuck into some
corn chips and
salsa.
DINNER
Roast Tomato Pasta Bake
I’m a huge fan of making things ahead so there is nothing to do when I get there. This slow roasted tomato pasta bake is perfect. Being winter you’ll struggle to get local full sized tomatoes with any flavour so I use truss cherry tomatoes, and swap out the eggplant for pumpkin. Bake it in a pyrex dish with a lid if you’ve got one then you can just wrap it up in a tea towel when you're ready to go and it will stay warm into the evening.
DESSERT
Clever Cookie Dough Pie
Get the kids to knock up this fun dessert for you! (It might mean a little less dough makes it to the pan but they’ll have fun helping out.) Follow the link to the recipe in our blog.
Get out!
What wintery activities have you got planned these holidays? We'd love to know, or better still, see a photo - tag us on socials @yourfoodcollective
Oh, and don't forget you can have your supplies home delivered, to make your days off even easier.
