Spring Picnic

Springtime Outdoor Brunch Ideas with Crumpets by Merna

Spring is in the air, and we love the fresh scent of the outdoors during this time of year. We've curated the perfect picnic for you and your loved ones to indulge in. So, grab your favourite sunnies and get ready to soak up some vitamin D and a crumpet or 3!

The Perfect Picnic by Merna

1. Setting the Scene

Pick Your Spot to Squat! When choosing your location, it's important to pick somewhere you love or want to explore. Whether it’s your local park or your own backyard, select a spot that showcases the beauty of spring. Personally, my backyard is my go-to. I like to pull out my tablecloths, pillows, and blankets to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

Get Creative! Embrace the season and complement its beauty with fresh flowers, pastel tableware, and little details like floral napkins. At Crumpets by Merna, we’re all about sustainability. Mason jars are not only aesthetic but also make great vases for fresh blooms like daisies, tulips, and peonies, adding the perfect touch of colour and charm to your picnic spread.

Ambiance A little bit of rope can make a big difference to your setup’s look and feel. Hanging lanterns or string lights add a stylish and whimsical touch. If your picnic is during brunch time, consider setting up a shaded canopy or umbrella. There’s nothing more enjoyable than basking in the sun, but it's crucial to be safe and protect yourself, especially if you have little ones running around!

2. The Menu (My Personal Favorite)

Hot Honey Crumpets I love a sweet and salty combo; our sourdough crumpets are the perfect way to elevate your picnic and make a restaurant-quality snack from the comfort of your home.

Ingredients:

• 2 traditional buttermilk crumpets
• 1 fresh mozzarella ball
• Eucalyptus honey by Maya Sunny
• 100 grams of prosciutto
• A small bunch of rocket leaves or baby spinach
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Salt
• Pepper
• Chilli flakes

Steps:

1. Gather Your Ingredients
2. Toasting
• Our crumpets can be tossed in the toaster, heated on a pan or even in an oven. I usually toast mine in an air fryer for about 6-7 minutes for a gooey centre and an extra crispy crunch on the outside.
3. A Touch of Spice
• Prepare a homemade hot honey topping by mixing our eucalyptus honey with chilli flakes and pepper for a punchy hot honey.
4. Let's Get Dressed
• Dress the leaves with a splash of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, along with a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Time to layer: Drizzle some hot honey mixture on the base crumpet, add prosciutto, cut the mozzarella ball in half and add another drizzle of hot honey, add the green leaf mixture, and top it with another crumpet add a toothpick to hold everything in place. Cut in half and you're good to go.

Cheesecake Crumpet

Ingredients:

• 1 Blueberry crumpet
• 1 TBS Crème fraîche
• Sprinkle Cinnamon
• 1 TBS icing sugar
• Dollop Raspberry jam (or a jam of your choice)
• A handful of fresh raspberries

Steps:

1. Mix 1.5 tablespoons of crème fraîche with 1.5 teaspoons of powdered sugar and half a teaspoon of cinnamon.
2. Toast your crumpet for 6-7 minutes.
3. Add your crème fraîche mixture, topped with a dollop of raspberry jam and some fresh raspberries.

Drinks to Complement Your Brunch

Ingredients:

• 4-6 spoons/bags of Merna’s English breakfast tea
• 4 cups boiling water
• 4 cups cold water
• Ice
• Eucalyptus Honey by Maya Sunny
• Lemon slices, rose petals, mint leaves, or fruit (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Boil Water: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a kettle or a large pot.
2. Brew Tea: Remove the boiling water from heat and add the tea bags. Allow the tea to steep for 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you want the tea.
3. Remove Tea Bags: After steeping, remove the tea bags. If you want sweetened iced tea, add your sweetener while the tea is still warm and stir until it dissolves.
4. Cool Down: Add 4 cups of cold water to the brewed tea to cool it down.
5. Chill: Pour the tea into Maison jars and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 1-2 hours.
6. Serve: Fill glasses with ice and pour the chilled tea over the ice. Garnish with lemon slices, mint leaves, rose petals, or fruit if desired.

Finishing Touches

Personal Touches Add a personal touch to your brunch by making custom place cards or menu cards. Not only do guests love this little touch, but it also makes your table setup more layered and creative.

Activities and Games Plan some light activities or games to keep the mood lively. Classic lawn games like croquet, bocce ball, or a simple game of frisbee can add an element of fun to your brunch. My favourite game to play is “Finska” since its perfect for all ages.

Music Playlist Create a playlist of light, cheerful music to set the tone for your brunch. Acoustic tunes, jazz, or soft pop can provide the perfect background music without overwhelming conversation. (I love a good 80’s jam)

By following these tips and incorporating the fresh, vibrant flavours of Crumpets by Merna, you can create a memorable outdoor picnic that celebrates the beauty of spring. Your guests will appreciate the thoughtful details and delicious crumpet creations, making your picnic the highlight of any season.

Enjoy your springtime picnic, and happy hosting!

Love, Merna