Wild Things

Food writer Nancy Skodack of Roanoke, Texas, interviewed children ages six to eight about their personal preferences. This research led her to concoct a fantasy picnic for six with fare that travels easily, tastes terrific, and can be eaten with a minimum of muss and fuss. Skodack suggests a mulled grape cider and a flaky puff pastry stuffed with beef and melted cheese, given a thumbs-up by her own four children. Pumpkins (or squash) makes a natural package for a chilled smoked turkey salad and are a fun food container for young eaters. Cornnut crunch, a combination of corn, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, and bagel croutons, has the appeal of junk food but without the junk. A colossal iced oatmeal-raisin cookie — easy on the cook because there’s just one to make — is the after picnic reward.