Summer and Sunshine

As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, summer invites us to embrace adventure and savor the joys of the outdoors. 

What a better way to celebrate the season than with a delightful picnic?  

Picture this:  a sun-drenched meadow, a cozy blanket spread out, and a basket brimming with freshly baked treats from our bakery that aligns with all your savory delights.  

In this post, we will explore a few of my favorite picnic ideas and also featuring some of signature desserts that are perfect for sharing. 

Whether you're planning a family outing, a romantic escape, or a fun day with friends, join us as we inspire your summer adventures with delicious bites that make every picnic unforgettable! 

This is the time of year you definitely need to eat outside immediately!  You will want fresh, vibrant food that survives the journey and makes you look like a culinary genius. Let’s fix your basket game with the best summer ideas. 

Earlier this year, I made a promise to hubby that I would get out more this summer and to make sure we do, we now have a beautiful Can-Am Side by Side. 🤦🏻. He gets to pick the destination, I'm in charge of the picnic lunch.  So here is what I'm planning.  Don't forget to grab your downloadable Summer Picnic Checklist at the end of this post 

For a picnic outing, we must choose foods that keep or hold their shape under pressure. Think about marinating, pressing, and chilling.  We want sturdy, flavor-packed champions.

First, let's start with the sandwich. I love a pressed Italian sandwich - pressed (not as in ironed pressed). A good sourdough, baguette, or focaccia works best.  Then layer with all things you love.  Mine include a good pesto, roasted peppers, Italian meats, and provolone cheese. No mayo at all as we are traveling and don't want to get ourselves ill.  Then wrap the entire loaf tightly in parchment paper and plastic wrap. Then, put something heavy on it in the fridge overnight. Cast-iron skillets work wonders. 

The weight forces the flavors to merge. The oil from the pesto soaks into the bread just enough to add flavor without destroying the crust.  Slice it into wedges right before you leave. It eats like a steak but travels like a brick.

Next, are sides. Again, we would like to avoid mayonnaise items.  A good fruit salad, pasta salad, or green salad with a vinegarette dressing or balsamic dressing works great here.

Don't forget little snacks.  I love my 8 compartment Bento Box as it works very well for an Adult Lunchable for two.  Pack a variety of hard cheeses (aged cheddar, manchego), cured meats (salami, prosciutto), and sturdy crackers. Add some grapes and nuts to fill the gaps.  I do favor the bento box as it keeps crackers separate and prevents them from getting soft from the cheese. Add a small jar of honey or fig jam. Dipping a piece of sharp cheddar in honey while sitting under a tree? It changes you. ☺️

Even if you don't begin snacking on these during lunch, you can bring them out when you stop again on your way home, and take a little break with some protein filled snacks.  

Dessert planning. Small bites, in their own little parchment paper keeps everything neat.  Cookies, brownies, lemon bars, or any of your favorite pastries.  Or make it easy and place an order with me and I'll take care of the baking for you. 🙌🏼  Here . one of my favorite recipes for BBQ's and Picnics. Strawberry Lemon Blondies

Beverages - I always pack the Diet Coke for hubby, ginger-ale for me, definitely water, but fixing up a delicious lemonade, or mocktail in a thermos is a little bougie and does add to the ambiance of the picnic.  

When packing up your items, don't forget a good cooler with ice or ice packs to keep everything at temperature.  

And finally, the non-essential gear.  A very thick blanket, preferably waterproof, trash bag for easy disposal, hand sanitzier or wipes, paper towels, and how bout bug spray.  

Picnicking doesn’t have to be complicated. It just requires a little strategy.

So, grab a blanket, prep your summer picnic, and get out there while the weather is beautiful. 

The fresh air makes everything taste better, anyway.

Here's your link to the Summer Picnic Checklist.