In the Picnic Of Time

Some simple safety tips, just in time for the picnic season. Use an insulated ice-filled cooler instead of a picnic basket for all perishable food. And keep it inside the cool car, not the too-hot trunk. When you bring it out, place it in the shade and keep its lid on (a hinged lid cooler makes sure it stays on)--don't be constantly opening it. Grill chicken or meat completely at your picnic...don't partially cook it at home. Serve small portions of side dishes (like cole slaw and potato salad) and return the rest to the cooler. Perishables shouldn't sit out for more than one hour. And keep leftover food only if there is ice still in the cooler when you get home.