A Picnic Primer - ideas for memorable family picnics in Nevada County
Where to Go: A few off-the-beaten path locations

Printed in The Family Post: Spring Issue 2005

By Kimberly Carrow

Bridgeport Trail
No, Bridgeport isn't a "hidden retreat," but there's a mile-long trail beginning at the bridge which follows the river up to the mouth of Lake Englebright. In the springtime, the landscape is vivid green and the trail is less populated than the "wildflower route" that follows the river upstream. At the end of the trail, there is a small beach and picnic tables inviting visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery. The trail may be a bit long and steep for very small children.

North Star Mining Museum
There's a beautiful little picnic area across the Wolf Creek bridge at the North Star Power House and Pelton Wheel Mining Exhibit. Picnic tables are located in the deep, green riparian environment. It's a hidden retreat close to town, located at the intersection of Mill Street and McCourtney Rd. And don't miss the museum, which houses a large collection of mining equipment and artifacts dating back to the 1880's.

Nevada County Fairgrounds
The fairgrounds is one of the gems of our county. Expansive green lawns invite play, picnics and people-watching, and on the far side, Lion's Lake is an ideal family destination. On a leisurely stroll around the lake, turtles can often be seen basking in the sun. Ducks and geese populate the lake and may expect handouts. Fishing is allowed for kids under 12.

Your House
Not in a mood to fix a big dinner? Spread a tablecloth on the carpet and have a no-frills picnic at home. Or, weather permitting, move outside and set up on the front lawn. Kids love doing silly things like this; any little event that's out of the ordinary will get them excited. For a really easy home picnic, serve everything on crackers (we call this a cracker dinner at my home). Get out the cheese, condiments, deli meats and veggies, and let everyone make cracker sandwiches (don't forget the peanut butter and jelly). Your family will appreciate the pleasures of outdoor dining just by enjoying a simple meal in your own yard.

Odds and Ends
Want to be prepared at a moment's notice? Put together a picnic/outdoor adventure kit and store it in a basket or tote bag. Consider including the following items:

• A sharp knife with a sleeve
• Matches
• Bottle and can openers (pick up some cheap at thrift store/garage sale)
• Salt and pepper in shakers (designed or taped over the holes so they won't spill)
• Flashlight (in case your outing lasts a little longer than expected)
• Bug spray and sunscreen
• Paper towels and wet wipes
• Plastic bags for trash
• Little condiments, such as ketchup and mustard, saved from fast food places
• Extra plastic containers and baggies for rocks, sand, bugs, tadpoles, etc.

Recipe
These yummy brownies are moist but still firm enough to pack well in a picnic basket or lunch pail. They are not difficult to make, and they don't contain all the artificial ingredients found in packaged mixes. Remember, it's always better to under-cook brownies rather than overcook.

Homemade Brownies

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1 stick butter, cut into pats
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup flour
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or
• peanuts, if desired

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with aluminum foil; spray the foil lightly with non-stick cooking spray.

Place chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave the chocolate and butter for 20 second intervals, stirring well after each, until chocolate melts thoroughly into butter (this process should take less than a minute, and mixture should look like chocolate syrup). Set chocolate mixture aside. Whisk together sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, cocoa and vanilla until well blended. Whisk in chocolate mixture. Add flour and mix well. Pour batter evenly into pan and bake for about 25 minutes (check a few minutes early). Brownies are done when a toothpick inserted halfway between the center and edge of pan comes out with only a few crumbs clinging. Cool brownies for as long as possible before cutting (1-2 hours is best). Remove brownies in foil from pan and cut into squares. To cut cleanly, spray knife lightly with non-stick spray. Store in an airtight container.

Enjoy your al fresco dining experience!

Kimberly Carrow lives in Grass Valley, and is Mother to Shelby, age 11, and Lily, age 7