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Tanya has been known to write recipes on napkins, receipts, and blank book pages but has stopped short of tattooing her favorites on her derriere.

Picnic for Two

Image you and your main squeeze lounging on a blanket in the sun under a cloudless blue sky. All that relaxation could make you hungry, so it’s a good thing you brought along a picnic basket full of sweet and savory treats. If this sounds like your version of heaven, read on.

Dine with the Birds and the Bees

Now that the weather has warmed and signs of summer are everywhere, it’s time to head outside for some serious R&R. So dig out your picnic basket, grab your special someone, and head for the beach, the park, or just about anywhere with space enough for an informal bite. Your picnic can be the day’s main event or combined with a concert, museum visit, or trip to the stadium for a game.

What to bring? Any beach or park picnic worth its salt begins with a big, comfortable blanket for resting, reading, playing, napping and, of course, eating. Beyond this, nearly anything goes. Games are always a fun way to spend time together, and it can’t hurt to toss a Frisbee, bocce ball set, or baseball and gloves into the back seat. If you’re feeling a little more laid-back, pack a few books and a deck of playing cards.

Forget the Forks

As for the food, instead of picnic staples like cold fried chicken and baked beans, this picnic takes a lighter approach — one more concerned with slow, lingering tastes than fast, frenzied feasting. Think of this as a tasting menu of sorts, packed with surprising flavor combinations to discover and share together. Shopping and preparation are a breeze too. Stop at the store and pick up a baguette (why not leave it unsliced so you can truly “break bread” together); wedges of good-quality cheeses like Camembert, Brie, and Fontina; sun-dried tomatoes marinated in olive oil; mixed nuts; fresh raspberries; and chocolate (milk or dark). Or, put together an assortment of your own favorite fare. All you need for eating these delectables, in addition to your fingers, are one plate, one knife, and possibly a few napkins.

As for the drinks, add two glasses and a wine opener to your picnic basket. Instead of your usual white or red wine, why not expand your horizons and pick up a bottle of mead. Made from honey, this sweet drink was popular during the European Middle Ages. Honey is traditionally associated with love and fertility (think of the honeymoon) so mead, or honey wine, is the perfect drink for your picnic for two. It nicely complements the other items on the menu and offers light refreshment on a warm day.

Don’t forget water or sunscreen and you’re set!

• baguette
• wedges of good-quality cheeses like Camembert, Brie, and Fontina
• sun-dried tomatoes marinated in olive oil
• mixed nuts
• fresh raspberries
• chocolate, milk or dark
• mead

• blanket
• plate
• knife
• wine opener
• wine glasses
• playing cards
• Frisbee
• bocce ball set
• books
• water
• sunscreen