~ Picnic Time ~

Going for a picnic is so delightful, regardless of whether you have a pretty lake,beach or a grassy spot at your local park. Get outside, smell the fresh air and watch the leaves change. It's a great way to reconnect and enjoy one another. So grab your picnic basket and head outdoors.

- Some Fun Menu Idea's-


Chicken Caesar Wraps-
1 (3 1/2 pound) cooked rotisserie chicken
1 small head romaine lettuce,shredded(about 8 cups)
1 cup shredded Parmesan chesse
1/2 cup prepared caesar dressing
6 (10 inch) flour tortillas
Skin, debone chicken,discarding skin and bones; shred chicken.
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, lettuce,and cheese, tossing gently to combine.
Add dressing,tossing to coat. Divide chicken mixture
evenly between flour tortillas. Roll up tortillas to enclose chicken mixture.
(Time Saver-Purchase bags preshredded lettuce and Parmesan cheese to keep prep time to a minimum.)

Picnic Coleslaw-
1 (1 pound)bag old fashioned cole slaw mix
1 (11-ounce)can whole kernel mexicorn,drained
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup minced fresh parsley
1 red onion,diced green pepper,diced
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/8 cup splenda
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
In a large bowl,combine first 6 ingredients,tossing gently.
In a small sauce pan,combine apple cider vinegar,and remaining
ingredients; bring to a boil over medium heat.Remove from heat,let cool completely.
pour dressing mixture over slaw,tossing to coat.

BLT Stuffed Eggs-
6 large eggs,hard boiled and peeled
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 slices bacon,cooked and crumbled
2 cherry tomatoes,seeded and finely chopped
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
salt and pepper
Additional crumbled bacon for topping (optional)
Halve eggs lengthwise.Remove yolks and place in a small bowl.
Mash yolks with a fork and stir in mayo,bacon,tomatoes,and parsley
until well blended.Add salt and pepper to taste.
Fill eggs whites evenly with yolk mixture.Garnish with bacon,if desired.
Store covered in refrigerator.


Strawberry  Limeade - (Makes 3 quarts) Instead of just having soda try something new!
So refreshing-
2 cups sugar
3 cups hot water
3 cups freshly squeezed lime juice
2 (8-ounce)packages frozen strawberries;pureed or
1 pound fresh strawberries pureed with 1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 (12-ounce)cans lemon-lime soda
Fresh strawberries,lime wheels to garnish-
Mix sugar and hot water together until completely dissolved.Pour
into serving container.Add lime juice,strawberry puree and soda
to sugar/water mixture.
Garnish with strawberries,lime wheels if desired.


Something Sweet and Seasonal-
Pecan Dream Bars-
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups firmly packed brown sugar,divided
1/2 cup butter
4 large eggs
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/3 cup butter,melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1 (8-ounce)package almond brickle chips


Preheat oven to 350'F.Lightly grease a 13x9x2 inch pan
In a small bowl, combine flour, 3/4 brown sugar, cut in butter with a pastry blender
until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press mixture evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 15 mins. In a medium bowl,combine eggs, remaining 1 cup brown sugar,corn syrup,and melted butter; stirring until smooth.Stir in vanilla,pecans,and brickle chips. Pour over hot crust.
Bake 30 minutes,or until set. Cool completely before cutting into squares..


Pack everything up, and enjoy a fall day!