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Encore: Forget the sandwich! Toronto chef gives tips for a fuss-free picnic

Everything tastes better outside—especially when you get all the right ingredients.

There's something about dining outside that makes everything taste better. And what better time to gather around a picnic than over the long weekend?

Toronto-based chef Joshna Maharaj shared some tips on preparing a fuss-free meal to leave even the pickiest eaters satisfied. 

Forget the sandwich!

According to Joshna, preparing sandwiches ahead of time is the number one mistake people make when preparing for picnics. Sandwiches get wet and ruined easily, so if you really want to eat sandwiches, she suggests packing all the ingredients separately and assembling them on the spot. Most importantly, ditch the mayonnaise—it contains egg yolk, which is temperature-sensitive and spoils easily. 

Use frozen foods as a natural ice pack

If you're looking to keep some things in your picnic basket cold, consider swapping the ice pack for frozen food items, such as fruit or ice pops. This helps provide a cool storage space for your perishables, and also serves as dessert without leaving you with a bucket of melted ice to worry about at the end of your picnic.

Plan ahead

Get appropriate containers for all your food items, especially if they risk melting, getting squished or spilled. Consider what kind of utensils your picnic guests may require, and always pack extras. Make sure you have plenty of sanitized wipes and paper towels to keep your hands and food clean. 

Keep it simple

Joshna says picnics, unlike barbecues, are meant to leave the prep work at home and just enjoy the food. One of the biggest mistakes people make during picnic planning is bringing too many different foods. She says picnics should be a simple meal done well: a fresh salad, some drinks, dessert. 

Keep it seasonal

Bring fresh ingredients that can be consumed raw, like seasonal fruits and vegetables. It's a refreshing snack that doesn't require a lot of prep work, except for cutting them up into bite-sized pieces ahead of time.