What's in your Picnic Basket?

Here are a few of my "favorite" and easy ideas for planning your picnic this weekend.  

Make ahead slider sandwiches of any combo are easy and popular with almost everyone.  My favorite combos are ham and swiss or roast beef and provolone on small slider buns with honey mustard.  Put your sandwiches together, place on aluminum foil, and head in the oven at 300 degrees for 5-10 minutes, cool and transport.  Keep chilled until ready to eat.  I love these and make them year round.

Fruit kabobs you make that morning.  Use any fruit of your choice but I find halved strawberries, grapes, cheddar and mozzarella cheese cubed make delicious skewers.  Keep chilled until you enjoy.

Brownies!  Need I say more?:)

Grill crusty bread ahead of time, bring bruschetta topping either homemade or store bought (keep chilled), and place on the grilled bread for a tasty appetizer. Top with shredded mozzarella if desired.

Don't forget your picnic basket, cutting board, glasses, water, and wine!

I love make ahead dishes.  Cut up grilled chicken from day before and skewer with green grapes, drizzle with a little olive oil if desired and keep chilled until ready to serve.

I make these "caprese" appetizer skewers ahead of time and are so much fun to eat at an outdoor event.  Marinade grape tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese for a short time in a zip lock bag in fridge, skewer them on wooden skewers, keep chilled and enjoy. Sprinkle with dried basil if desired for extra flavor.

The "bags" toss game is perfect for all ages and easy to transport.

Bring paper bags, roll down the tops for putting your salty snacks in.  No fuss and toss away "bowls".

If you're planning on grilling on a portable grill, don't forget the condiments.

A favorite of mine for outdoor parties or picnics is the "Walking Taco".  Buy small Fritolay Frito bags to present in a basket, put chopped tomatoes, peppers, shredded cheddar, heated and stirred chili, and sour cream out for make your own walking tacos on top of the fritos.  Eat with a fork or spoon and enjoy.

Happy Picnics and enjoy the Weekend!