Summer days are all about spending time outdoors with friends and family; with a variety of scrumptious snacks and refreshing beverages, a picnic really is the best way to enjoy the summer. To help customers make the most of warm weather, Asda has launched new picnic-ready products, with essentials starting from £1.10. And because picnic-prep comes in many forms there are items for everyone to picnic like a pro – no matter the expertise.
Starting off strong
For those who are making their first foray into picnic-ing, it’s best to stick with the basics. Cheese is a ‘grate’ addition to any grazing board. The Extra Special French Cheese Tasting Selection (£5.15) offers a variety with Munster, Doux De Montagne and Bleu D’Auvergne cheeses. The full-flavoured spread pairs lovely with the Extra Special Sourdough Baguette (£1.10/2pk), baked fresh in-store with a strong, bitter, and roasted aroma. Sour and explosive in taste, the baguette tastes of high-quality ingredients.
Fancy some snacks? The Extra Special Parmesan and Garlic Mini Twists (£1.65) are perfect. Crunchy and crisp, the lightly flaked twists have a great snap and are sure to satisfy. The twists were independently tested against Fortnum and Mason’s equivalent and came out on top, so they’re an easy way to impress fellow picnic-goers.
And of course, one can’t go wrong with some Extra Special Sea Salt Hand Cooked Crisps (£1.35) – notoriously moreish, always a hit.
Adding more variety
For those ready to take their picnic to the next level, the Oak Smoked Salmon (£4.00) and Cooked and Peeled King Prawns (£4.55) are a summery protein choice ready to pair with other bits. On their own, the Mini Caramelised Onion Pork Pies (£2.00/6pk) shine; the peppery, herby meat has a slight sweetness to compliment and is encased in a buttery pastry.
For side dishes, the Pesto Mozzarella Salad (£2.00) is the ultimate choice. The strong basil and pesto aroma with herby, cheesy vinaigrette flavour is paired with al dente pasta and nuggets of soft and pillowy mozzarella – a picnic-goer’s dream. Another favourite is the Asian Style Edamame and Quinoa Salad (£2.30). Intensely fresh and aromatic, the quinoa and vegetables provide an earthy and nutty base whilst the ginger and soy give a vibrant and zesty finish.
A true picnic pro
Once the cheese has been served and salads devoured: a true professional knows that no picnic would be complete without dessert. This summer, the Extra Special Lemon Drizzle Cake (£2.95) is the perfect, traditional choice. The sponge is light and buttery, balanced with a sweet vanilla flavour, while the curd filling has a sharp citrus tang from the lemon. For a jazzy alternative, the Extra Special Caramel & Blonde Chocolate Chouxnuts (£3.10/2pk) are a favourite. Creamy butterscotch filling intertwines with white chocolate and caramel sauces atop a biscuity choux pastry, bringing a certain je-ne-sais-quoi to any spread.
Bubbly is always a crowd-pleaser. The Extra Special Prosecco Brut (£8.50) has well-integrated aromas of wildflowers and peaches, perfect to pop and pass around with friends. It was independently voted tastier than Harrods’ own – that’s something to celebrate. There’s also the Extra Special Lemonade (£2.80) and Extra Special Orange Juice (£2.95) for those who don’t wish to imbibe in the heat.
To learn more and pick up all essentials for the perfect summer picnic, head in-store or visit www.asda.com
