The Emilie Loring Collection

Everyone loves a picnic! The very word conjures up fine weather, a cheerful mood, and a basket of goodies. It’s a formula that has stood the test of time, generation after generation.

There’s something adventurous about a picnic. You set out for a congenial spot–which can be anywhere, simple or fancy–hunt for a place to sit, spread out a picnic blanket or cloth, then settle in to enjoy the place, the meal, and anything else that strikes your fancy. Above all, picnics are meant for fun.

What’s inside the picnic basket? Are there surprises? Little treats? Even if you’ve packed it yourself, the moment of opening feels special.

Several of Emilie Loring’s novels feature picnics, and thanks to her cookbook, For the Comfort of the Family, A Vacation Experiment, we can prepare some of her favorites. Maybe this weekend?

Mountain Picnic

• filet mignon
• mushrooms
• parsley-powdered potato balls
• asparagus tips tied with pimento
• watercress and baby carrots

Emilie Loring’s Tempting Mushrooms

Sauté mushrooms in butter, three minutes. Cover with hot cream.

Emilie Loring’s Quick Asparagus

“There are cans of asparagus tips which may be served hot on toast or chilled for a salad with French dressing…”

Picnic on the Cape

• thin sandwiches: lettuce, olives, cream cheese
• coffee with cream and sugar

Emilie Loring’s Sandwich Bread

Mix:
1 cup milk, scalded
1 1/2 Tablespoons molasses
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon butter
When lukewarm, add:
yeast cake
1/2 cup white flour
enough whole wheat flour to knead
Let rise, then add:
1/2 cup raisins or finely cut orange peel 
1/2 cup English walnuts, finely chopped
Bake in loaf pan and slice very thin.

Maine Clambake

• steamed clams
• mackerel
• lobster
• new potatoes with paprika
• watermelon

Grandmother’s Spiced Mackerel

“Clean and wash small mackerel. Put them in layers in a crock with a little salt and cayenne pepper sprinkled between each layer. Mix one even tablespoon of mustard, two of brown sugar, salt to taste–I am quoting Grandmother–quarter cup of peppercorns, stick of cinnamon and four cloves. Cover crock with an old plate and simmer in oven one hour. These are to be served cold.”

Emilie Loring’s Deviled Lobster

Bring to a boil: 
1 pint cream
MIX together:
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon mustard
~ 2 tablespoons flour
"speck" of cayenne, salt, pepper
ADD 
3 tablespoons of boiling cream, then add mixture to rest of cream. COOK two minutes.
ADD 
meat of 2 lobsters (2.5 lbs each), cut in pieces, with a pinch of cayenne and salt; BOIL one minute.
FILL individual shells or a baking dish. Top with a scant pint of breadcrumbs.
BAKE  20 minutes to brown.

Beach Picnic

“The clear air was rich with the spicy breath of balsams and appetizing with the aroma of coffee, broiling bacon, and cooking clams.” Here Comes the Sun!

• steamed clams
• crisp bacon
• hot coffee

Emilie Loring’s Quick Coffee

“Tucked away in a remote corner, that I may not be tempted to use it often, is a can of coffee crystals. A teaspoon of this added to a cup of boiling water becomes in the twinkling of an eye a cup of delicious coffee. Think of it! No coffee pot to wash and scald and dry and polish, no coffee grounds to dispose of! Truly the way of the hospitably inclined is made easy in this day and generation!” For the Comfort of the Family

Streamside Solo Picnic

“A box! He opened it. A bag of tea, two sandwiches, lumps of sugar, half a lemon and a tin cup with a handle which looked as if it had been in contact with many a fire. Evidently a solo afternoon tea had been on her program.” Where Beauty Dwells

• sandwiches
• tea with lemon and sugar

Emilie Loring’s Favorite Weekend Sandwiches

Chopped tongue, ham, or chicken, mixed with this dressing:

Sandwich dressing
Mix:
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 tablespoon mustard
1 heaping tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon flour
Add:
2 egg yolks
3 tablespoons melted butter
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup vinegar

COOK in double boiler, stirring constantly, until thickened. 
Strain and cool. 

Happy Picnicking! Happy Landings!