Friday, May 23

The Perfect Picnic

It's Memorial Day weekend, which means BBQs and picnics galore! Reader Kiasa emailed asking me for some picnic ideas, specifically:
- Not-so-typical sandwiches
- Salads sans mayo
- Desserts that travel well


Here are a few of my ideas...and please leave a comment with your own ideas! If you have specific recipes for the above, that would be great, but I'm sure Kiasa (and everyone else) would love any great picnic ideas you might have!

My ideas are yummy yummy, but I'm also suggesting things that are easy to prep and carry. I'm all about EASY.

NOT-SO-TYPICAL SANDWICHES
- Caprese Sandwich: Slice a baguette, sprinkle with a bit of olive oil (not too much so you don't get soggy). Top with sliced fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, sliced tomatoes, salt & pepper.
- Turkey Boursin Baguette: Slice a baguette, spread with Boursin cheese, top with sliced pepper turkey and leaf of romaine lettuce (or spinach for more vitamin punch)

SALAD SANS MAYO
- Alfredo Tortellini Salad: My friend made this for an outdoor party once and it was AWESOME. She used jarred Alfredo sauce from Trader Joe's, cheese tortellini (cook & drain), sliced and cooked zucchini, mushrooms and onions. Mix all together and serve cold. You could throw in whatever vegetables you like!

DESSERTS THAT TRAVEL WELL
- Chocolate Oatmeal Coconut Cookies: I know, cookies don't seem all that inspired, however these cookies are AMAZING and cookies travel well, so it fits the bill!


If I were packing this picnic today (I wish I was!), I'd also throw in a bag of chips and some Hansen's sodas and call it a day.

Time for your Perfect Picnic ideas!

6 comments:

brit.brat said...

i'm totally tryin these!!thanks jane..love you..miss you..miss cate's curls. ps. just had the most amazing french toast @ champagne bakery..coconut was sneaked into the batter..so yummy. can't wait to try these.!

thanks,brit

Kiasa said...

I'm so excited! Some of the items are on my grocery list for today's shopping and this weeks' eating! Thank you!!!

Jessica said...

I love this Black Eyed Pea Salad for picnics or barbecues- no mayo, meant to be served at room temperature, and it's so colorful!

I think brownies, blondies, cookies, and pound cake all travel pretty well.

Jessica said...

P.S.- Jane, you left the tomatoes out of the Caprese Swch. :)

jane maynard said...

that is so funny...when I typed it up I was thinking, "I'm surprised I like caprese so much since it only has cheese and basil"...DUH. THANKS! I just updated the post. :)

Y said...

I love that picture of the cookies. They look so tasty!