SUMMER PICNIC DISHES AND DESSERTS

Warm weather is on its way for many of us. In Texas our grills are cooking up some super special goodness already!  I'm always searching for tasty side dishes to pair with our protein. Whether we are having red meat, turkey, chicken or fish, a side dish is a must. Of course no picnic is complete with dessert, so I've included a couple of those in today's blog too.

I found a recipe, that cuts the fat used in a typical potato salad and tastes delish. It couldn't have been any easier to prepare. And it was hubby approved!

It's called Loaded Baked Potato Salad, but it's not baked! I think you get the idea...it tastes like a baked potato, and there's some nice surprises inside; like a packet of dry ranch dressing stirred into the cooked potatoes. 

Click on this link for the recipe:  http://www.countrycleaver.com/2011/07/loaded-baked-potato-salad.html

No picnic is complete without deviled eggs. Let's face it, deviled eggs have come a long way. Even cocktail parties aren't complete without them. The ingredients in this recipe will truly surprise you. 

I was given this recipe from Beth a fellow blogger that I chatted with online last year when I first started blogging. She was so gracious and so helpful with all of my questions. At the time, I was getting ready to host a cocktail party, and she gave me some recipes and some very helpful hints. One of the recipes was what I call-- Beth's Deviled Eggs.

I ended up serving them at our cocktail party and friends loved them! And now they are great for picnic season.They are a bit sweet, but still savory. Who would have thought applesauce and currants along with some other goodies would be in deviled eggs. My girls love them. It's the only way they will eat deviled eggs now.

Here is the recipe:

BETH'S DEVILED EGGS

• one dozen eggs

Scoop out cooked yolks and place in a small bowl. 

Add to mashed yolks:

• 2 tbsp. mayo
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. curry powder ( I use a bit less)
• 3 tbsp. chopped fresh chives
• 3-4 tbsp. dried sweet currants 
• 3 tbsp. chunky applesauce

You may add more mayo or applesauce to taste if the yolks are not wet enough. Pipe into

each egg. 

***I have never done this, but Beth also recommended adding a dollop of apple, garlic or ginger chutney on top. She used Stonewall Kitchen. 

Finally, dust the entire plate with shaved almonds and more chives or fresh lemon thyme.

Every picnic has to have the essential dessert. Something a little sweet. I have two very different ideas for you. The first an easy Sorbet dessert. 

Raspberry Sorbet in Lemon Cups

• Lemons
• Raspberry sorbet (or your favorite flavor)

Hollow out the lemon using a melon baller. Scoop your favorite Sorbet

into each half, freeze and serve. So easy and so pretty!

I have one more different sweet treat for you. They are just like Rice Krispie Bars, but  with a twist......you use Ruffles potato chips instead of the cereal! They have a nice sweet/salty taste that I think will surprise your taste buds.

Ruffles Marshmallow Krispie Treats

You may find the recipe here:  http://www.laurenslatest.com/ruffles-marshmallow-krispie-treats/

I hope you enjoy this group of recipes, and you're able to use them at your picnics or summer dinners.

Have a wonderful weekend.

         

Kathleen

                                                                     

                                                                                                      

                                                   

***Don't forget to tell your friends about The Lavender Bouquet blog follow us on Facebook too!

ALL AMERICAN TABLESCAPE

In just a few short weeks we'll be celebrating the 4th of July! The glorious commemoration of our adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The day we declared our independence from Great Britain. It's a great ALL AMERICAN day marked with everything red, white and blue! Cities are full of parades and fireworks. And families gather together to enjoy the first warm weather  of the summer for those first picnics. 

SUMMER--ANTIPASTO PASTA SALAD

There's nothing easier on a hot summer day than making a salad. I often switch up our meals in the summer by using a salad as our main course. I've been searching for new salad ideas.......boy there sure are lots of recipes out there!

Today's blog features an Antipasto Pasta Salad. I made this for Friday night's dinner last week, added a tray of fresh veggies with hummus and pita bread, along with slices of watermelon for a little something sweet. How easy is that? I'm also thinking next time a glass of a nice cold Pinot Grigio would be a good accompaniment!

The salad contains some of the typical items found in an antipasto platter; marinated artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, grated Parm, prosciutto, and olives. I used whole wheat penne pasta, and Good Seasons Italian dressing and it was hubby approved.

Look at how colorful and beautiful it is!

You may find the recipe at:  http://www.chatelaine.com/recipe/vegetarian/antipasto-pasta-salad/

Give this easy and delicious salad a try. It's great for lunch, dinner or sharing a dish at a party and tastes even better the second day!  Have a wonderful weekend! 

Bon Appetit!

Kathleen

***Thanks so much for stopping by. See you on Monday!

FOODIE FRIDAY--DELICIOUS STRAWBERRY PIE

WELCOME TO FOODIE FRIDAY!

When I was growing up we lived in the country and always had a big garden. My Dad and Mom would plant all kinds of delicious veggies. We even had Raspberry bushes, and Strawberry plants. I never realized how lucky we were at the time. Today what I wouldn't give for one of those gardens.  Fresh everything......yum!

Speaking of fresh-----it's Strawberry season here in NJ. Did you know that strawberries are full of antioxidants and contain malic acid which helps whiten your teeth? Now that's a great couple of reasons to enjoy them even more.

This year I came across a Strawberry Pie recipe that came with rave reviews from Chelsea at Two Twenty One. It's not only delicious, but it makes a beautiful presentation for almost any occasion. From picnics to family dinners, this pie will be the hit of the event.

Very simple ingredients below....you can make the crust yourself if you prefer. Bake crust prior to filling.

                 Cornstarch/water mixture.                                      Adding jello to the mixture.

Finished pie---My husband ended up eating 2 pieces!! He hardly ever eats dessert so you now know, this is truly a WINNER recipe!

 Recipe may be found at--http://www.twotwentyone.net/2012/06/strawberry-pie/


Hurry, grab your strawberries and make this for your family or maybe just yourself! It is truly delightful! You may add a dollop of your fav whipped cream to top it off if you like.


ENJOY!


Kathleen

***Have a wonderful weekend! See you on Monday.....Thanks for stopping by!

THE BURGER OF ALL BURGERS!

Get your grills ready for the best burger treat you have ever had! These mini cheeseburgers will delight even those with the fussiest palates. Yes, they contain THREE types of cheese and other delicious ingredients...........

MINI BURGERS AND CHEESE

SPECIAL SAUCE

MINI THREE CHEESE BURGERS

Look at how beautiful they are. And remember they are MINI because we have to leave room for dessert!

The recipe was a huge hit at one of our Dinner Club parties. I just had to share the recipe with you, since it's time for many of us to use that grill for the first time since last Fall. What a wonderful smell permeating the party. YUM!

MINI THREE CHEESE BURGERS

• 2 lbs. ground round
• 4 Tbsp. minced onion
• 2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp. Italian seasonings
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 6 oz. Brie chees (roll into 14 tsp. balls)
• 8 slices cheddar cheese
• 8 slices Gruyere cheese

Prepare mini burgers and put thumbprint in center. Grill. Add Brie ball, cheddar and Gruyere.

SPECIAL SAUCE

• 1 cup mayo
• 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 3 cloves smashed garlic
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. paprika

Mix in food processor.

That's it-----you can make the burgers ahead and freeze them. Just add the cheese at

grilling time. The special sauce stays good in the frig just like mayo. DON'T FORGET TO PICK UP YOUR FAVORITE MINI BUNS!

I hope you enjoy these burgers as much as we do. Have a wonderful weekend!

                                                        Kathleen

BEAUTIFUL MEMORIAL DAY TABLESCAPE FOR THE COST CONSCIOUS!

Every year all over the U.S. we celebrate Memorial Day on the last Monday in May. Our country is full of celebrations with parades and special services to observe those soldiers that lost their lives for our country. We have the freedoms we do today because of these men and women, and, I for one, am very thankful for their service!

Many of us mark this day with the first picnic of the year. In some areas of the U.S. it is the beginning of warmer weather, in others, it may bring sweltering days when air conditioning is truly a blessing. But wherever we are, an outdoor meal seems in order.

Yesterday, was a beautiful day here in New Jersey. The sun was shining brightly, and the breeze picked up a bit just while I was shooting.  I created a Memorial Day tablescape which started with a foundation of royal blue and white wide stripe decorator fabric. 

The first time I laid eyes on this fabric was from my beloved Carolyne Roehm coffee table book, A Passion for Parties. Carolyne decorated using this for a birthday bash she held for family members. I couldn't get over how beautiful it was. The complementary colors are endless, but red came to mind of course because of this being a patriotic holiday.

Memorial Day Tablescape

I filled the mint julep cups with Queen Ann's Lace and the porcelain urn with white Apple Blossoms.

My source list:

1. Porcelain vase-Hobby Lobby

2. Red rimmed plates, red goblets, and floret on napkin-Dollar Tree

3. Blue luncheon plates-Home Goods

4. Blue/white stripe fabric-Boca Bargoons

**Silverware, mint julep cups, and red linen napkins were already a part of my entertaining staples.

I'd love to hear what you think about this tablescape. Please drop us a comment.

 ENJOY!

                                   Wishing you all a safe and fun Memorial Day!  

                                                           Kathleen