Simple Summer Picnic Recipes

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

16 Jun 2009 08:55 AM

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 baby spinach

Sliced cucumber

Sliced red onion

Sliced mushrooms

Sliced tomatoes

Directions:

Mix together first 4 ingredients to make an herb cream cheese spread. Spread a few tablespoons of mixture on tortilla. Top with veggies and wrap tightly. Cut in half on an angle before serving.

SMOKED TURKEY WRAP

Ingredients:

1 flour tortilla

Ranch dressing

Shredded romaine lettuce

4 cucumber slices

Turkey deli meat

Slivered almonds

Directions:

Spread an even layer of Ranch dressing on tortilla.

Top with lettuce, cucumber, turkey and almonds.

Roll and cut in half to serve.

CHOCOLATE, PEANUT BUTTER AND BUTTERSCOTCH RICE KRISPIE BARS

Ingredients for Bars:

1 1/2 cups corn syrup

1 1/2 cups sugar

3/4 cups butterscotch chips

1 1/2 cups peanut butter

12 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Directions:

Combine corn syrup and sugar. Heat on high in microwave until sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes.

Add butterscotch chips and peanut butter to corn syrup mixture and stir until combined.

Place cereal in a large bowl. Pour corn syrup/peanut butter mixture over cereal. Stir until combined.

Spread mixture in baking pan and press down.

Cool completely on the counter, then cut into squares.

Ingredients for Chocolate Topping:

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a microwave safe bowl.

Heat on high for about two minutes or until cream is heated and butter has melted.

Stir with a whisk until smooth.

Spread over bars and place in the refrigerator until chocolate is set.

Related Articles:

Picnic Recipes

Summer Picnic Food: Kicked Up Sandwiches and Chips

Outdoor Dining: Three-Course Simple Summer Meal

Healthy Grilling: Super Summer Salmon Salad

Make a Watermelon Ice Cream Cake and other Cool Summer Treats

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

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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