A Return to Family Picnics Review

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A Return to Family Picnics ReviewTo Whom It May Concern:
I normally don't bother responding to critics - I find that I am usually far more critical of my own work. However, reading the recent Publishers Weekly review of my newest cookbook I really can't help myself. I had heard it was a rather "lame" piece. And judging from the general tone, one that seems to imply picnics are either for latte sipping yuppies or red state warriors, it sounds as though this snide little curmudgeon may think a great picnic would include a package of Twinkies and a (full of) baloney sandwich.
Picnics come in many shapes and sizes. Had someone bothered to actually read my "text book" on picnic history they might have discovered picnics have been and still are leisure affairs filled with festivity, imagination, and romance. Whether a grand Southern picnic with platters piled high, an afternoon tea party, a fun-filled family reunion, New England clam bake, July Fourth barbecue, a springtime brunch, or a fall festival tailgate - picnics can be in the back yard, out in the country, in the garden, or down at the local park.
A Return to Family Picnics is filled with picnic perfect menus: some elegant menus featuring poached salmon or country pate - great for a wedding shower, Mother's Day, or an autumn hot air balloon ride. But I also included a good balance of sandwiches, wraps, cup cakes and bar cookies, as well as easy to prepare dishes like our juicy herb marinated rotisserie chicken and festive salads for an impromptu day in the park.
A Return to Family Picnics is a wonderfully well-crafted gift book designed by one of the industries top firms. It is beautifully photographed, with stunning food styling, and by most accounts filled with romance, warm memories, and charm.
Still, I could see how some might be turned-off to the book's splendor: the same cynics too sophisticated for Hallmark cards, Miss America, county fairs or small town parades. So, call me "corny" if you will. But golly gee, Mrs. Cleaver, saccharine...? Sorry, Saccharine is an artificial sweetener, while my love for all things bright and beautiful is quite natural and sincere. Most Americans, no matter what their supposed political stripe, still salute the flag with pride and still stand respectfully for the National Anthem.
So, this is a "red state" picnic book...Really? It's a given that reviewers generally think they are being oh so clever when often they can't see the beauty beyond their own murk-colored glasses - but is it possible someone is taking their Neanderthal rhetoric a little too seriously here? It's a cookbook for heaven's sake.
My guess is your reviewer has not recently been to an old fashioned community picnic. Around the Potomac where I live, like parks around America, civic groups, extended families, and groups of friends are gathering every weekend to enjoy lively games and conversations in the warm inviting breeze. Beneath awnings, umbrellas and shaded trees they fire up grills and propane cookers and spread tables with their own movable feasts - true, this takes a bit of forethought and pre-planning as all things worth doing well.
Picnics are a passion. For several years I was a judge at the Montpellier Steeplechase tailgate competition here in Virginia and I can assure you these picnics were anything but simple: crystal candelabra, sides of smoked salmon, fine china set out in the open trunk of a classic Rolls Royce. And yes, trifle!
Presently, I'm helping to organize a picnic at my church: we'll have macaroni salad, glazed ham, fried chicken, corn on-the-cob and deviled eggs. We'll play balloon toss, have a square dance, and run three-legged races. And if we can round up enough hand-cranked machines we'll churn frozen custard for the peach cobbler or for making ice cream sodas.
The point of a having a picnic, the point of my book, is one of fun and celebration. It is sad to realize that there are still people who can't manage to enjoy a bit of serendipity. Russell Cronkhite author of A Return to Family Picnics
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