Dear Connie,

Baked beans are nice and soft too, especially if they're cooked for a long time. They can be served at room temperature if you aren't going to have a grill going.

Here's another fruit side dish that is absolutely delicious, easy to make and travels well:

Use as many oranges as there will be guests at your picnic. Peel them completely, using a paring knife, so that all white pith is removed and only orange flesh is visible. Slice the oranges and remove any seeds. Place in a bowl. For each orange add 1 teaspoon sugar and 1 teaspoon Grand Marnier. Toss and refrigerate for several hours, allowing the fruit to macerate. That's all there is to it! Place it in a container for traveling and keep cool.

What about soft rolls? Croissants are lovely at a picnic. Also, quiche travels well and there are lots of recipes for different quiches, beginning with the classic Quiche Lorraine and going on to cheese and broccoli, salmon and cream cheese, etc. If you would like me to post some of these let me know. Quiche can also be served at room temperature, which is great for a picnic. You could do individual quiches in a cupcake tin and then you don't even have to cut it. Also this results in small portions, which many seniors like.

Best regards,

Marilyn