Summer Picnic
Tuesday, June 8th, 2010It’s that time of year to head outdoors and enjoy a good old fashioned picnic. Picnics are a great way to socialize, relax and spend some quality time together with family and friends. When packing for a picnic a few ideas to keep in mind are: to keep the fare simple, don’t offer too many choices and remember, when outdoors, people generally have larger appetites.
Here is a list of essential items you’ll most likely want to bring along with you:
- Tablecloth
- Napkins
- Paper towels
- Cups
- Plates
- Serving utensils
- Salt and pepper
- Lots of beverages
- Garbage bags
- Ziploc bags for leftovers
- Sun block
- Insect repellant
- Outdoor activities such as soccer ball, frisbee, ball and mitt.
I personally love a picnic with what I consider “traditional picnic foods”. I have put together a menu for a traditional picnic with recipes that have a little twist. I tried to keep most of the recipes simple so you could get out of the kitchen faster and enjoy the outdoors sooner.
Traditional Picnic Menu:
- Fried Chicken
- Turkey Sandwiches
- Broccoli Coleslaw with Cranberries
- Balsamic Potato Salad
- Homemade Brownies
Fried Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 c. corn flakes crushed
- 2/3 c. flour
- 1 Tbsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
- 2 eggs
- ¼ c. milk
- 2 lbs. chicken legs or wings
- 1 ½ c. oil
Directions:
- Mix corn flakes, flour and seasonings in shallow dish
- Beat eggs and milk in shallow dish
- Dip chicken in egg mixture and then in dry ingredients mixture
- Make sure chicken is coated evenly
- Heal oil in large skillet to 350°
- Add chicken and cook for 15 minutes, turning occasionally
- Make sure chicken is cooked thoroughly and golden brown
Turkey Club Sandwiches
Ingredients:
- Focaccia bread sliced for sandwiches
- 2 Tbsp. Low fat mayo
- 4 butter lettuce leaves
- 4 tomato slices
- 6 oz. shaved turkey
- 1 avocado sliced
- 4 slices bacon
- 2 hard boiled eggs
Directions:
- Spread mayo evenly on top slices of focaccia bread
- Place butter lettuce on bottom bread slices
- Then layer all remaining ingredients
- Finish by topping with remaining bread
Broccoli Coleslaw with Cranberries
Ingredients:
- ¼ c. sweet onion dressing
- 2 tsp. cider vinegar
- 3 c. packaged broccoli coleslaw
- 1 c. chopped apples
- ¼ c. cranberries
- 2 Tbsp chopped, toasted pecans
Directions:
- Combine dressing and cider vinegar with a whisk
- Combine remaining ingredients in large bowl
- Toss with dressing
- Top with pecans
Balsamic Potato Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. mixed baby potatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 Tbsp. water
- ¼ c. balsamic vinaigrette
- ½ c. roasted red peppers (from jar works great)
- 2 Tbsp. fresh basil
- ¼ c. goat cheese, crumbled
Directions:
- Place potato wedges in microwave safe bowl, add water
- Cover with plastic wrap and microwave for 7 minutes
- Once potatoes are tender drain excess liquid
- Stir in remaining ingredients
- Top with goat cheese
Homemade Brownies
Ingredients:
- 1 c. butter melted
- 2 c. flour
- 4 eggs
- 2 c. sugar
- ½ c. cocoa
- 1 tsp. vanilla
Frosting
- 5 Tbsp. butter
- 1/3 c. milk
- 1 c. sugar
- 1 c. chocolate chips
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°
Mix flour, sugar and cocoa in large bowl
Pour in butter, add eggs and vanilla
Mix all ingredients well
Pour into greased 9×13 pan
Bake for 25 minutes
While brownies are baking
- In a small saucepan bring butter, milk and sugar to a boil
- Boil for 1 minute
- Remove from heat and add chocolate chips
- Stir until smooth
- Glaze over warm brownies
Bring along fresh fruit and veggies
Humus and pita chips
Looks like now you have all the ingredients for a successful summer picnic!