perfect picnic:

Real Simple is offering a Guide to the Best Summer with perfect picnic recipes. I thought this gourmet "fried" chicken sounded perfect to go with a watermelon, potato salad, chocolate chip cookie and lemonade picnic.

"fried" chicken:

1 3 1/2-to 4-pound chicken, cut up

1 1/2 cups buttermilk

2 garlic cloves, minced

3 tablespoons gin (optional)

3/4 cup dry bread crumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

Remove and discard the skin from the chicken. Combine the chicken, buttermilk, garlic, and gin in a large resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.

Heat oven to 400° F. Lightly coat a large baking sheet with vegetable cooking spray. On a sheet of wax paper, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan, salt, lemon zest, and thyme. Roll the chicken pieces in the coating and place on the baking sheet, bone-side down. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through, or until crispy and the juices run clear when the chicken is pierced with a fork.

Yield: Makes 6 servings