The Picnic

The PicnicWinner, IACP Cookbook Award A picnic is a great escape from our day to day and a chance to turn a meal into something more festive and memorable. The Picnic shares everything you need to plan an effortless outdoor get together: no fail recipes, helpful checklists, and expert advice. With variations on everyone's favorite deviled eggs, 99 uses for a Mason jar (think cocktail shaker, firefly catcher, or cookie jar), rules for scoring lawn games, and

The results are lavishly aged and prized cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano

but its unique confluence of mountain and sea

cloyingly sweet blends sullied the reputation of what remains one of Spain's oldest and greatest winemaking traditions

and Cremants from all over France for everything in between

For anyone who has toured the tapas bars of Madrid or enjoyed paella in Valencia

using simple yet inventive ingredients

such as Semifreddo of Peaches and Mascarpone and Hazelnut Meringata with Chocolate and Espresso Sauce

over a glass of chilled vermouth and the din of happily shared

show-stopping gift

raspberry liqueur

and their efforts to re-create the flavors of their lost country

and guardians who power this country's extraordinary culinary traditions