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!

THE HEALTHY SIDE OF PICNIC FOOD!

I was looking ahead on the calendar, and realized Memorial Day Weekend will be here before we know it. We love having a good ole fashioned BBQ that day. In the North it was always our signal that warmer days were ahead. And if we were lucky, Memorial Day would be one of them!

I have been searching for new  picnic food ideas. There are staple dishes that we still see at some picnics; one of them is Baked Beans. Some of the recipes are full of all kinds of sweetness, molasses, brown sugar and even a little added fat in the form of bacon. But those aren't the ones I am looking for. I want something that the prime ingredient is beans, but is made healthier, and tastes great......so even the kids will like it.

Today I am featuring my substitute for Old Fashioned Baked Beans;  it's called Carrot, Dill & White Bean Salad. Sounds different right? I guarantee you will be amazed at its flavors. 

First up, make this marinade of olive oil, shallots, and lemon juice.

Brown the carrots till they are deeply brown. Then add the beans to the pan and finish cooking.  Follow directions to finish on recipe. Link below--

This salad is so easy and the taste is light and a bit sweet. The dill, lemon, and shallots add a nice touch really bringing in a fresh new flavor. You may serve the dish warm or room temperature, which is so nice for a picnic. Sprinkled toasted almonds are used in the recipe at the end, but we like it just the way you see it in the photo.

Here's the delish recipe:
http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/carrot-dill-white-bean-salad-recipe.html



Well, it's not your Mama's Baked Beans, but it is chocked full of nutrients, and not overly sweet. I love how they worked in those beautiful orange carrots into the mix.

Give it a try for your next picnic when you are asked to bring a dish to pass. Trust me, they will all be asking you for your recipe! 

Keep watching Foodie Friday for the month of May for more of these substitute dishes that are tasty but healthy!

                                              Wishing you a wonderful weekend,

                                                                 Kathleen

********See you on Monday.