When spring gets into full swing and warmer weather again becomes a thing, can you think of a better way to spend time outside than on a picnic? And there are plenty of fun holidays on the calendar ahead if you need a reason to pack up your basket and blanket and head outdoors:
- Memorial Day
- National Picnic Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
Holiday weekends do not have to be the only incentive to get out picnicking. After all, the wide array of seasonal fruits and vegetables available during the summer months could be all the motivation you need. With all of the wonderful produce available, we've put together just a few recipes to get your creative picnic juices flowing (pun intended).
Heirloom Tomato Caprese Sandwich
This simple yet classically delicious recipe makes the perfect picnic lunch or dinner. Makes two sandwiches:
Ingredients
2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
2 tsp. Olive oil
2 tbsp. mayonnaise
4 sprigs fresh basil
6 slices assorted heirloom tomatoes
Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 slices country-style bread
4 slices mozzarella cheese
Directions
Combine vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and basil in a small, tightly sealed container. Spread mayonnaise on bread and layer with mozzarella cheese and tomatoes.
Wrap sandwiches with butcher paper.
Once at your picnic, unwrap sandwiches and drizzle cheese and tomatoes with the oil and vinegar mixture.
Honey Mustard Glaze
This flavorful glaze makes a great companion to chicken and many of the season's fresh grilling vegetables. We especially like the ease of using this ahead of time to prepare skewers to be served cold at your picnic.
Ingredients
1/4 tbsp. Dijon mustard
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. paprika, smoked
1/2 tsp. paprika
2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1 1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cumin, ground
1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 tbsp. olive oil
Directions
Combine all ingredients together in a medium-size bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
Use as a marinade or glaze for grilling meats or vegetables.
Sparkling Fresh Lemonade
This thirst-quenching beverage is easy to transport and the perfect accompaniment to your picnic lunch, but why buy lemonade when it's easy to make:
Ingredients
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about six lemons)
2/3 cup sugar
2 quarts seltzer
Lemon slices for garnish
Directions
Except for garnish, combine ingredients and funnel into glass swing-top bottles for easy transport.
For best results, keep over ice until you get to your picnic.
Add ice and garnish to serving cups and fill with the lemonade.
Tip: For different variations, try adding some creative ingredients such as raspberries or strawberries. You can also try fragrant ingredients such as lavender, mint, or rosemary.
Dessert Fruit Kabobs
Make these simple desserts using seasonal fruit and pair them with your favorite baked goods... homemade or purchased.
Ingredient ideas with:
Skewers or long toothpicks
Fruit
Strawberries, pineapple, bananas, peaches, apples, pears
Sweets:
Brownies
Lemon bars
Marshmallows Gelatin cubes... use your creativity
Tip: Soak your fruit in honey water beforehand to keep it from turning brown
Directions
Chop fruit and sweets into bite-size pieces. Add fruit and sweets alternating to achieve your desired balance. Enjoy your picnic!
