It's been said that food tastes better outdoors. But does it really, or is this simply a perception we mistakenly hold?
Perhaps it is merely the circumstances of our dining environment that changes how we feel about it?
Spreading a picnic blanket on soft grass with a romantic date; marking out your plot on a sandy beach with the rush of waves as a soundtrack; doling out sandwiches to excited kids on a day trip; flipping burgers for a gang of friends on a Saturday afternoon.
All of these activities create happy food memories that bring smiles to our faces, but is that because we're more relaxed, more content and less stressed than during our usual mealtime rituals?
effort
No matter how little effort is put into the fare we eat outdoors, we seem united in our sense that it will be tastier in the fresh air.
Sure, the good weather helps, as we lift our faces towards the sun to feel warm rays beating down. However, it's more than fresh air and sunshine that make dining outdoors special, it's also about the simplicity of what we're eating.
From hastily assembled sambos to a simple fresh salad, hot dogs in buns to slabs of marinated expert steak, outdoors, food is typified by its lack of fuss. But that doesn't mean we have to cut corners.
If we put a little effort and imagination into preparing our picnic hamper, garden lunch or barbecue menu, we're guaranteed to ramp up the enjoyment factor further. While we can't control the weather, we can choose our company.
Add in some simple, fuss-free food that's quick to prepare and high on summer flavours and you stand every chance of creating another lifelong favourite summer memory.
Recipes courtesy of Aldi. Visit www.aldi.ie