Two major components of summer are sunshine and good company, and what better way to combine the two than with a picnic? One way to impress your friends, family, or significant other is by preparing a scrumptious component of your picnic menu. Don’t dismiss yourself if you are cooking-challenged, because these recipes are easy and produce great results. I personally made sure of it!
This Avocado Chimichurri Bruschetta from Vegetarian Times is a flavorful taste sensation without all the calories. It’s a great snack to share with friends outside on a breezy summer day, and it is easy to prepare. Serve with sliced bread like you would traditional Italian bruschetta.
2 Tbs. lemon juice
2 Tbs. red wine vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.)
¾ tsp. salt
½ tsp. red pepper flakes
½ tsp. dried oregano
¼ tsp. ground black pepper
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup chopped cilantro
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and cubed
6 ½-inch-thick slices whole-grain or ciabatta bread, toasted
Combine lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, salt, red pepper flakes, oregano, and black pepper in small bowl. Whisk in oil, then stir in cilantro and parsley. Fold in avocado cubes. Spoon avocado mixture onto toast slices, and serve. (Serves 6)
This tasty Roasted Cauliflower in Lemon-Tahini Sauce recipe also from Vegetarian Times may surprise you. Though I am not necessarily the biggest cauliflower fan, I love this healthy dish.
1 large head cauliflower, cut into 1-inch florets (about 1 1/2 lb.)
4 tsp. olive oil, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tsp.)
2 Tbs. tahini
1 Tbs. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. salt
1 Tbs. chopped parsley
1 tsp. toasted sesame seeds
Place oven rack in top position. Preheat oven to 425F.
Toss cauliflower with 2 tsp. olive oil, and season with salt. Spread on large cookie sheet, and bake 12 to 15 minutes, or until cauliflower is fork-tender and slightly browned.
Meanwhile, heat remaining 2 tsp. olive oil in small saucepan over medium heat. Sauté garlic in oil 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Stir in tahini, lemon juice, 5 Tbs. water and salt. Simmer over low heat 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Divide cauliflower among plates. Whisk sauce, then spoon over cauliflower. Sprinkle with parsley and sesame seeds, and serve. (Serves 4)
If you’d like to make a delicious and easy homemade dessert, try these Skinny Mint Cookies from busycooks.about.com. The best part about making these is that there is no oven involved in preparing them which is nice on a hot summer day.
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups milk chocolate chips
20 unwrapped Andes candies (chocolate mints)
1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 (9-ounce) package plain chocolate wafer cookies
In medium microwave-safe bowl, combine semisweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips. Microwave on high power for 1 minute; remove and stir. Return to microwave and cook on 50% power for 1 minute longer; remove and stir. Continue microwaving at 50% power and stirring until chips are melted and mixture is smooth.
Remove from microwave and stir in the chocolate mint candies until smooth. Add peppermint extract and stir until combined.
Dip the cookies, one at a time, into the chocolate mixture. Gently shake off excess chocolate and place on waxed paper to cool and set. Store in cool place.
If you want your picnic to take you farther than the patio, try these pretty local picnic spots on a sunny day:
Lafayette Park
St. Louis, MO
Tower Grove Park
4256 Magnolia Ave.
St. Louis, MO
Benton Park
Saint Louis, MO
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