Yard-Core | The Ultimate Made-in-New England Picnic

For the ultimate alfresco meal in the New England outdoors, we’ve put together a hamper filled with regionally made treats, many of which can be ordered online. Some are old favorites; some are new to market. All are worth adding to your next movable feast.  

9 Perfect New England-Made Picnic Treats

1. Whirlwind Rosé Gouveia Vineyards (CT)

This blend of cold-tolerant hybrid grapes has lively acidity and a hint of sweetness that makes it a perfect balance for salumi and rich cheeses.

2. Baguette Fire Dog Breads (NH)

What picnic is complete without a baguette? Pick a good, local loaf—our nominee comes from a Keene bakery founded by a former French history professor, Sam Temple.

3. Mini Pies Petsi Pies (MA)

Founder Renee “Petsi” McLeod dubbed these 3-inch pastries “Cutie Pies,” and we couldn’t agree more. They’re not just cute, though; they’re downright delicious (don’t miss the sour cherry).

4. *Raspberry Red Currant Geranium Jam V Smiley Preserves (VT)

Former chef V Smiley uses her farm’s own fruit and herbs to make this intensely fresh, fragrant jam that pairs beautifully with cheeses.

5. *Harbison Cheese Jasper Hill Farm (VT)

This bloomy-rind cow’s-milk cheese has a luscious creamy texture and piney, sweet grass flavors. 

6. *Del Duca Prosciutto Daniele Charcuterie (RI)

Silky sliced prosciutto shines when wrapped around fresh summer melon or piled onto fresh bread.

7. Highlander Cheese Bridgman Hill Farm & Jasper Hill Farm (VT)

Made in partnership by neighboring Northeast Kingdom farms, this semifirm cheese blends goat’s and cow’s milk to produce a rich and nutty cheese that evokes Swiss raclette.

8. *Finocchiona New England Charcuterie (MA)

A classic Italian salami from southern Tuscany, finocchiona has the aromatic fennel seeds and sweet-salt balance that leaves us craving more.

9. *Rockweed Cheese Lakin’s Gorges Cheese (ME)

A layer of rockweed powder in the center gives this semisoft cheese a uniquely briny, creamy flavor.

*Indicates previous Yankee Food Awards winner

Find more in “Take It Outside,” our 2021 guide to the best ways to love the New England outdoors.

Amy Traverso

Amy Traverso is the senior food editor at Yankee magazine and co-host of the public television series Weekends with Yankee, a coproduction with WGBH. Previously, she was food editor at Boston magazine and an associate food editor at Sunset magazine. Her work has also been published in The Boston Globe, Saveur, and Travel & Leisure, and she has appeared on Hallmark Home & Family, The Martha Stewart Show, Throwdown with Bobby Flay, and Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares. Amy is the author of The Apple Lover’s Cookbook, which was a finalist for the Julia Child Award for best first-time author and won an IACP Cookbook Award in the “American” category.

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