Introduction
When you are near the ocean, nothing sets the tone for a relaxing day of sea and sand like a hearty beach breakfast. If you time things right, you can even watch the water take on the glow of the sunrise as you dig into the contents of a well-stocked picnic basket. Very early morning picnics are not for everyone, though. When you're on vacation you can make breakfast as late in the day as you like. While standard breakfast dishes like pancakes right off the griddle with eggs sunny-side up don't really do well in a picnic basket. Instead, use creative techniques to design a beach breakfast that is tasty, easy to pack and easy to eat without a lot of fuss.
History
Old fashioned picnic baskets were simply made of woven wicker or vines. There was no insulation to keep hot things hot and cold things cold. Food was placed in regular dishes covered with paper and a towel because there were no plastic containers and resealable bags available. Modern picnic baskets, complete with separate compartments, insulation and custom-fit linings make dining out on the beach much easier. You can enjoy classic breakfast food items that are piping hot, nicely chilled or any stage in between. Plan ahead when you do a beach breakfast so that your picnic basket is packed with scrumptious food to kick off a great day.
Features
In the heat-insulated section of your picnic basket, place a container filled with hot sausage patties, breakfast links or crisp bacon strips. You can cook the meat products a day in advance to save time, then simply heat them up in the microwave before you head out to your beach breakfast. Scrambled eggs take just minutes to prepare in the kitchen, then are quickly packed into a container, covered with a lid and placed in the picnic basket. Another favorite hot breakfast item is potatoes. Keep the preparation simple by cooking tater tots or nuggets in the oven, then packing them while they're still hot and crispy.
Cool foods, like muffins, biscuits, cheese and condiments need little preparation beyond simply slipping them into a platic bag or container. Bring along fresh fruit, too, to add a touch of sweetness to your beach breakfast. Cut apples and firm, ripe peaches into slices and brush them with a little lemon juice to keep them from browning before you start eating. Whole bananas and oranges can simply be slipped into the picnic basket without any further ado, but you will want to wash plums, grapes and berries before you pack them to carry along.
Tips and comments
For simplicity, pack food that can be eaten with your fingers to eliminate the need for spoons, forks and knives. Cut biscuits in half and butter them before your head out for your beach breakfast. When you arrive, simply slip the warm eggs, several strips of bacon and a sprinkle of cheese into the biscuit for a fresh, hot breakfast sandwich.
If you want to have a more substantial meal, invest in heavy-duty paper plates that won't fall apart during your beach breakfast. Sturdy plastic cutlery makes it easier to enjoy the meal without a worry of breaking flimsy utensils.
Children enjoy familiar food, even when they are on vacation, so pack some of their favorites for a beach breakfast. Fruit juice boxes and small containers of yogurt help the youngsters feel comfortable even though they are eating in an unfamiliar place.
Return all your used containers, plates, utensils and any paper items, like napkins, to the picnic basket when you done with your beach breakfast. This makes it easy to remove the trash from the beach, leaving it in clean, pristine condition for everyone to enjoy.
