Summer is winding down, and it is the perfect time to get outside for sunshine, fresh air, and delicious food. One of the best ways to celebrate this season is with National Eat Outside Day, observed every year on August 31. The holiday was created to remind families and friends of the simple joy of sharing a meal outdoors. Eating outside is more than just fun, it has proven health benefits. Fresh air and natural light can boost your mood, reduce stress, and even improve digestion. Pair that with great food, and you have the perfect recipe for lasting memories.
Creating a picnic spread does not have to be stressful when you have the right kitchen appliances. Select Brands appliances make it easy to prepare portable desserts, savory appetizers, and refreshing drinks that will please any crowd. From backyard lunches to park picnics and community gatherings, these versatile tools help you craft picnic-ready meals in minutes.
In this guide, we will walk through recipes featuring customer-favorite appliances. From cold drinks to handheld bites and desserts, you will have everything you need for National Eat Outside Day or any sunny afternoon.
The Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Picnic Spread
Refreshing Drinks with the TRU Ice Maker
A picnic is not complete without chilled beverages. The TRU Ice Maker delivers ice in just minutes, so your drinks stay cool and refreshing all day.
Fruit-Infused Picnic Punch
Ingredients:
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4 cups sparkling water
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2 cups orange juice
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1 cup pineapple juice
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1/2 cup sliced strawberries
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1/2 cup sliced oranges
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Ice from the TRU Ice Maker
Instructions:
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Fill a large pitcher with sparkling water, orange juice, and pineapple juice.
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Add sliced strawberries and oranges.
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Top with fresh ice from the TRU Ice Maker.
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Stir gently and serve in portable cups with lids.
Savory Appetizers with the Triple Slow Cooker
The TRU Triple Slow Cooker allows you to prepare multiple recipes at once, making it perfect for picnics.
Nacho Cheese Dip
Ingredients:
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16 oz shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup milk
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions:
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Place shredded cheese, milk, garlic powder, and paprika into one slow cooker compartment.
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Cover and cook on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
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Serve warm with tortilla chips or veggie sticks.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Ingredients:
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1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
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1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
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1 cup cream cheese
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 clove garlic
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, and chopped ingredients.
- Transfer mixture to a slow cooker compartment.
- Heat on low for 2 hours until hot and creamy.
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Serve with chips or bread slices.
Lil Smokies in BBQ Sauce
Ingredients:
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1 lb mini smoked sausages
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1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions:
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Place mini sausages in the third slow cooker compartment.
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Add barbecue sauce and stir to coat.
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Heat on low for 1–2 hours.
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Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking.
Quick Prep with the Kitchen Selectives Mini Chopper
Picnic spreads often require chopped vegetables, herbs, or garnishes. The Kitchen Selectives Mini Chopper speeds up the process. Use it to quickly dice onions for dips, mince garlic for sauces, or chop fresh herbs to top off sandwiches and salads. This tool ensures you spend less time prepping and more time enjoying your picnic.
Sweet Treats with the Babycakes Multi Treat Maker
The Babycakes Multi Treat Maker is a dessert powerhouse, perfect for creating handheld sweets for the picnic basket.
Mini Cake Pops
Ingredients:
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1 cup boxed cake mix (any flavor)
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1/2 cup water
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1/4 cup vegetable oil
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1 egg
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Frosting and sprinkles for decoration
Instructions:
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Mix cake batter using cake mix, water, oil, and egg.
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Pour batter into cake pop molds.
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Cook for 3–4 minutes until firm.
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Cool completely, then decorate with frosting and sprinkles.
Mini Cupcakes
Ingredients:
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1 cup cupcake batter (from a mix or homemade)
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1/2 cup frosting
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Fresh fruit or sprinkles for garnish
Instructions:
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Fill cupcake molds halfway with batter.
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Cook for 3–5 minutes until baked through.
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Allow cupcakes to cool.
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Top with frosting and garnish with fruit or sprinkles.
Mini Donuts
Ingredients:
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1 cup donut batter
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1/4 cup sugar
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1 tsp cinnamon
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Glaze or icing (optional)
Instructions:
- Pour donut batter into donut molds.
- Cook for 4 minutes until golden.
- Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
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Toss in cinnamon sugar or glaze once cooled.
Celebrate Summer with an Easy Picnic Spread
National Eat Outside Day is the perfect reminder to savor the last days of summer outdoors. With Select Brands appliances, you can prepare appetizers, drinks, and desserts that are simple to transport and fun to share. Take your picnic game to the next level with easy, delicious recipes that make every gathering special. Stay tuned for Part Two, featuring Toastmaster appliances and recipes for desserts, sandwiches, popcorn, and refreshing blended drinks, perfect for your next outdoor gathering.
Shop Select Brands Appliances and Celebrate National Eat Outside Day
FAQs
Q: Can the TRU Ice Maker be used outside during a picnic?
A: Yes, as long as you have a power source available, the ice maker can be used outdoors. Many people use it on patios or in RVs.
Q: How long can food stay warm in the Triple Slow Cooker?
A: Food can remain warm for several hours on the "warm" setting, making it perfect for long picnics or parties.
Q: Are Babycakes Multi Treat Maker desserts easy to transport?
A: Yes, the small size makes them ideal for containers or cupcake boxes, so they travel well to parks or outdoor gatherings.
Q: Can I prepare dips in advance and reheat them in the slow cooker?
A: Absolutely, you can assemble dips the night before and reheat them on low in the slow cooker at the picnic site.
Q: Does the Mini Chopper work with nuts or harder items?
A: Yes, the Mini Chopper can handle nuts and firm vegetables, but it works best with small batches for even chopping.
