Picnic in the Park Part II

While enjoying our picnic in the park at the playground, two little girls probably six or seven years old took it upon themselves to help my son play. I watched as they held his hands to help him up and down and over to the different playground features. One would stand at the bottom of the slide while the other went down the slide with my son. I might have been concerned that these two older girls had attached themselves to my son but they seemed genuinely interested in helping him play; like little mothers. It was actually endearing. They … Continue reading

Two Quick Party Recipes

Do you need something quick and easy for a New Year’s Eve Party? These two recipes are simple and quick to whip up and of course gluten free. My husband loves this quiche I make. Dale’s Quick and Easy Quiche Ingredients 3 ounces bacon 8 eggs. Half red capsicum Half green capsicum 1 cup milk 1 cup grated tasty cheese I teaspoon sweet paprika Method Lightly cook bacon in a fry pan. Do not overcook. Cut into small pieces. Grease a Pyrex pie plate with margarine. Preheat oven Put cooked bacon on the bottom of the pie plate. Add diced … Continue reading

Quick and Easy Family Dinners

With summer fading, no home cook wants to be chained to the kitchen when she can be making the most of what’s left of the beautiful weather. If you are looking for ways you can put nutritious and delicious dinners on the table for your family without having to spend a ton of time cooking and cleaning, then consider the following quick and easy recipes: FAST AND SIMPLE SOUTHWEST CHICKEN SAUTE Ingredients: 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts 1 tablespoon garlic salt 1 tablespoon cumin 1 teaspoon chili powder 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups salsa 1/4 cup chicken broth 1 … Continue reading

Easy Picnic Recipes

Make the most of summer’s incredible weather by hosting a family picnic. The dishes don’t have to be fancy; instead look for recipes that are portable, flavorful and can be doubled to feed multiple guests. The following are some of my family’s favorite picnic recipes. They get high marks for looking and tasting great. What’s more, they can be made ahead of time so you don’t have to slave away in the kitchen on the day of your outing. ITALIAN ANTIPASTO SANDWICH Ingredients for Sandwich: 2 cups spring mix lettuce 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced 1/4 cup fresh basil … Continue reading

Simple Salads to Spice Up Your Summer Picnic

Say goodbye to big Tupperware containers filled with green salads that sit untouched at summer picnics and hello to these hearty versions that pack a punch with bold flavors and unique textures: SPICY SOUTHWESTERN PASTA SALAD WITH CHICKEN Ingredients: 1/2 cup fresh lime juice 1/2 cup cilantro 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 garlic clove Dash hot sauce 2/3 cups canola oil 2 boneless chicken breasts, grilled and diced 1 cup red pepper, chopped 1/4 cups red onion, diced 1/2 cup celery, diced 1/2 cup black olives, sliced 2 green onions, chopped 2 fresh jalapenos, chopped and seeded … Continue reading

Easy and Affordable Picnic Recipes

What would Independence Day be without friends, family and great food? If you are planning to celebrate our nation’s birthday with an outdoor meal and fireworks, then don’t forget to pack the following easy and affordable picnic dishes: BABY RED POTATO SALAD Ingredients: 4 pounds baby red potatoes, washed well and cut into quarters 2 teaspoons salt 1 (16-ounce) container sour cream 1 1/2 to 2 cups mayonnaise 1 teaspoon garlic salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 4 stalks celery, diced 4 hard boiled eggs, chopped 4 green onions, chopped 1/4 cup fresh chopped dill 6 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled … Continue reading

Quick and Easy Fourth of July Picnic Foods

With the Fourth of July falling on a Saturday this year you can expect even more company than usual at your local park. Competition for prime fireworks viewing spots will be heated, to say the least, but even if you don’t snag the ultimate seat, you can still have a spectacular Independence Day picnic with the following patriotic recipes: PATRIOTIC PASTA SALAD Ingredients: 1 (16-ounce) package tri-colored spiral pasta, cooked al dente 2 cups fresh broccoli, cut into bite size pieces 2 cups fresh cauliflower, cut into bite size pieces 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced 1/2 cup red onion, … Continue reading

Simple Summer Picnic Recipes

Picnics are an essential part of summer. After all, there’s nothing quite like sharing a great meal in the great outdoors. Picnics can range from extravagant affairs with tents and gourmet selections to simple sandwiches shared in your own backyard. Personally, I prefer the latter, especially if I am the one creating the outdoor feast. If you are looking for some quick and easy items to make for your next summer picnic, consider the following: EASY VEGGIE WRAP Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 2 tablespoons chopped chives 2 tablespoons fresh dill 1 teaspoon garlic salt Spinach tortilla wrap Fresh … Continue reading

Memorial Day Recipes to Feed the Masses

With the economy in the dumpster, many families are choosing to stick close to home this Memorial Day weekend. For some that means hosting relatives and friends at a holiday potluck or simply inviting neighbors over for a casual cookout. If you are opening your door to friends and family this weekend, consider treating them to the following dishes that are tailored to feed the masses: EASY EGG BAKE Ingredients: 1 (32-ounce) package country style hash brown potatoes, thawed slightly 1 pound pork sausage, cooked and crumbled 6 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon … Continue reading

Easy Finger Food Recipes

I know when one of my recipes hasn’t gone over well with the family when I’m done doing the dishes and my young daughter is still sitting in front of a plate full of food. This usually happens when she cannot identify at least a couple of the ingredients in the entree. Fortunately, it rarely happens when I make the following recipes. These simple dishes are as easy to make, as they are to eat. No utensils required to devour. Just come to the table with clean hands and you’re ready to go. HOT TURKEY AND SWISS CHEESE SANDWICHES Ingredients: … Continue reading