Preparing Popular Picnic Foods

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

22 Jul 2008 11:17 AM

When planning a summertime picnic there are a few staples that always make the cut. In my family they include potato salad and hot dogs (if my dad is cooking it's potato salad and Kielbasa sausage). The crowd-pleasing summertime foods are favorites in many families namely because they are simple to prepare and can feed a ton of people without too much effort.

The following recipes might be a tad labor intensive, but the time you put into them will win you raves from your guests. The recipe for Kielbasa and Peppers can do double duty as an appetizer or a hearty sandwich filling. Meanwhile, the Potato Salad recipe is a delicious addition to any picnic. Just remember not to expose it to direct sunlight for an extended amount of time since it does contain mayonnaise.

GERMAN POTATO SALAD

Ingredients:

8 to 10 red potatoes

2 to 4 russet potatoes, pared

18 slices thin-sliced bacon, chopped

1 onion, thinly sliced

7 hard-cooked eggs

1 can (6 ounces) olives, sliced

1 cup sour cream

2 to 2-1/2 cups mayonnaise

Salt

Directions:

Cut potatoes into quarters and cook until just done. Drain, cool, and dice.

Cook bacon until crisp. Remove; save 1 tablespoon of drippings.

Cook onion in bacon drippings until clear; drain.

Separate egg whites and yolks; chop whites and crumble yolks.

In a large bowl, add potatoes, bacon, onion, egg whites, olives, sour cream, mayonnaise and salt; mix gently.

Top with egg yolks.

Chill.

Serves 16.

KIELBASA AND PEPPERS

Ingredients:

1 package (16 ounces) Polska Kielbasa sausage

2 tablespoons butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, quartered

2 bell peppers (green, red, orange or yellow), thinly sliced

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Grill or broil whole sausage, then cut into 1/4-inch thick diagonal slices.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add butter, garlic and onion; saute until onion is lightly browned and translucent.

Add peppers and continue to saute until peppers are cooked but still crisp.

Add sausage; cook on high heat.

Season with salt and pepper.

Serves 4.

Related Articles:

Summer Picnic Food: Kicked Up Sandwiches and Chips

Outdoor Dining: Three-Course Simple Summer Meal

Healthy Grilling: Super Summer Salmon Salad

Refreshing Raspberry Recipes

Make a Watermelon Ice Cream Cake and other Cool Summer Treats

Kids in the Kitchen: Sweet and Simple Strawberry Treats

Fourth of July Picnic Favorites: Super Steak Sandwiches and Strawberry Watermelon Salad

Watermelon Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

Pairing Chicken with Summer's Harvest--Peaches and Cherries

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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