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Romantic Picnic Ideas: Summer Picnic Foods
Lakes and streams and beaches were created just so we could enjoy summer picnic foods. I am certain of it. The very word "picnic" conjures up thoughts of a summer day.
The Best Choices for Summer Picnics
Summer picnics are different than other times of the year. We do need to be more concerned about heat and how sun will affect our carefully prepared munchies. But with just a little thought and planning, everything will be perfect. If you've been thinking about getting a cooler, this may be the time to do it. Fruits and veggies and beverages will all taste better if they are cooled.
Seasons and specialties vary a bit from area to area, but here are some of our favorite summer picnic foods:
Artichokes. The heart shape is a natural for romance, and this veggie is lots of fun to eat because you can both eat from the same artichoke, or even feed each other leaves!
Strawberries. The red heart shape makes this a natural romantic picnic food idea. Use it in champagne, in desserts, or just by itself dipped in whipped cream. It is also a great addition to a fruit salad.
Avocados. A guacamole dip is a great choice. It travels well and holds its flavor when slightly warm.
Wine. Red wine, white wine, champagne, and everything in between. A picnic is just so much more special with a glass of wine.
"A book of verses underneath the bough, a jug of wine, a loaf of bread ... and thou." from The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, 1859.
That formula for a perfect picnic still hold true.
All kinds of fruits are among our favorite summer picnic foods. California has delectable cherries, apples, apricots, peaches, pears, melons, oranges, papayas, pineapples, grapes and more. A fresh fruit salad or fruit kabobs are always welcome. Or just take some fresh fruit to munch on.
Chicken and Meats. While barbeques are popular in the summer, and a great barbequed hot dog is hard to beat, picnics are in a category by themselves. Unless you are certain there will be a grill available, keep to foods that don't need cooking. If you plan on taking meat of any kind to a hot picnic place, think about investing in a cooler. There are some great ones that aren't expensive. Pack it with blue ice or use baggies filled with ice.
Avoid foods with mayonnaise. If you have a potato salad, look at the French Style Potato Salad recipe on this site. Also, if you take sandwiches, don't put mayo on them before leaving home. Keep the mayo container in the cooler, and put it on the bread at the last minute.
Other than that, let your creativity be your guide. You will see some great summer picnic foods listed below, a refreshing spritzer, lemon chicken and more.
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Discover some lovely
romantic picnic ideas, and make them your own! |
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Planning a romantic picnic ahead of time means that you will have
lots of time to spend with your sweetie. Romantic picnic recipe: California Artichokes With Vinaigrette |
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The
perfect picnic menu
combines delightful menu choices with delightful company, no matter what
the time of day. |
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Romantic picnic food ideas need not be difficult to prepare.
But they should be something your sweetie enjoys, and maybe something
you can share. Romantic picnic recipe: Rendezvous Guacamole |
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Romantic picnic recipes
come in lots of different flavors and
styles. Find the most romantic one for you. |
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Cold picnic food recipes are anything but dull. On the
contrary, they are the essence of a romantic picnic getaway. And
you've got more time to spend with your sweetie! Romantic picnic recipe: Shrimp Salad Delight |
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Food ideas for a picnic.
Let your palate be your guide in choosing just the right items for your
picnic basket. A special picnic recipe: Hazelnut Cookies |
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Easy picnic recipes are my favorite. Like you, I don't have a
lot of time to cook, so quick and easy -- and even gourmet -- picnic
recipes leave me time and energy to enjoy my picnic getaway too. Easy picnic recipe: Gourmet Salmon Salad |
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Summer picnic foods splash your world with sunshine and refreshment,
especially when you can dangle your toes in a nearby lake. Summer picnic recipe: Espresso Brownies |
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Great
picnic food ideas for even the most persnickety eaters start with
wine, then proceed to a main dish, one that is tasty and enticing.
That's true no matter what the season, what the time of day, or what the
dining preferences are. Great picnic recipe: French Style Potato Salad |
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Picnics have been a wonderful part of romantic California getaways since ... well since there were California getaways. Your hotel will help you get one together and point you to a very romantic picnic spot, such as Seaport Village Park or Butterfly Beach or Heisler Park or Avila Beach or Idyllwild. |
Espresso Brownies are a great choice for a summer picnic!
Espresso Brownies
These travel wonderfully well, and are great served warm or cool or at "summer heat" temperature.
You will need:
- 1/4 cup (6 oz.) butter, unsalted
- 4 oz. unsweetened chocolate, broken into pieces
- 2 Tablespoons instant espresso powder
- 1 Tablespoon boiling water
- 2 cups (1 lb.) granulated sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking power
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- confectioners sugar for dusting brownies
Put the butter and chocolate in a small metal container. Heat a small pan of water, and hold the butter/chocolate container just over the hot water to melt it. Be sure to use heavy cooking mitts. The object is to let the chocolate and butter melt without direct heat. Stir with a wooden spoon while it is melting.
Put the espresso in another small bowl, and add the Tablespoon of boiling water. Stir to dissolve. Add this to the bowl with the chocolate and butter mixture. Then stir in the granulated sugar, eggs and vanilla until all is mixed well.
In a separate small bowl combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Fold this mixture into the chocolate mixture until all is mixed well. Pour the whole mixture into a pre-buttered 9 x 12 inch baking pan. Bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for about 25-30 minutes. You can tell it is done if a toothpick inserted into the center comes out slightly fudgy.
Set the pan on a rack to cool. When cool, cut into 2-3 inch squares. Sprinkle the confectioners' sugar on the brownies. Pack them in a plastic container or wrap in foil.
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Enjoy light, lovely summer picnic foods as you enjoy your favorite summer pasttimes.
Today's Romantic Moment:
"It is curious how, when you're in love, you yearn to go about doing acts of
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P.C. Wodehouse
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