Lake House Lyn: picnics

Thursday, July 20, 2017

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!

photo Lake house lyn signature_zpspevll2ky.png

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Packing the Perfect Picnic

Memorial Day is next week so why not celebrate the holiday and/or weekend by packing a picnic.

What's your favorite spot for a picnic? The park, playground, backyard, at the lake, beach or on the boat?

Pack your picnic basket very carefully. When you are planning a movable feast, there are many things to consider. Have a checklist and mark items off as you pack them in your basket or tote. Did you remember, napkins, utensils, plates, cups, garbage bags, condiments, salt and pepper?

Pack your meats and salads in a well insulated cooler. Pay attention to food safety and toss your perishable foods if left out of the cooler longer than two hours. The bottom of the cooler is the coldest so this is where you will place your most perishable foods. Use freezer packs, ice in zip lock bags, or my favorite trick is freeze bottled waters and use them as ice packs. As they melt, you have cold water to drink.

Below are a couple of great picnic totes and they make a nice gift for birthdays, Father's Day, or summer bridal showers. Stick a bottle of wine inside or a gift card for a favorite food market in the area.

What's your favorite picnic menu? Cold barbecued chicken, sweet potato salad, Grandma's potato salad or macaroni salad, fresh fruit salad, ham and cheese on rye?

Try making fresh fruit skewers. They are easy to make, transport and eat.

Thread your favorite sliced or chopped fruit onto wooden skewers. Kids love these! Serve it with a honey vanilla yogurt for dipping.