Picnic in the park

Warmer temps mean picnic time in my book.  I am all about eating and entertaining outdoors.  It's just so easy.  What better way to entertain than to invite all your friends to the park for a little dining al fresco?  No need to worry about cleaning the house or serving a fancy meal on your fine china.

 

Just grab your picnic basket, and you're ready to go!

A simple menu that offers a little something for everyone, including the kiddos!

 I went with fruit, corn dip, pasta salad, pimento cheese sandwiches, chicken salad sandwiches and brownies.

Picked up the pimento cheese and chicken salad from Whole Foods and made the sandwiches that afternoon.

Since I was focusing on making it easy, went with brownies from a box mix {they were SO good!}.

This pasta salad has become one of my go-to sides. 

It's so easy!

 

Pesto Pasta Salad

1 lb bowtie pasta

6 oz pre made pesto

Feta cheese

Cherry tomatoes {halved}

Pine nuts

 

Boil pasta, rinse and drain.

Add pesto and stir.

Add cheese, tomatoes and pine nuts to taste.

Can be served warm or cold.

 

My favorite appetizer is this corn dip.

Again, so easy!

 

Corn Dip

2 {8 oz} packages of cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup lime juice
1 T. ground cumin
1/2 t. salt
dash of black pepper
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 {16 oz} can of whole kernel corn, drained
1 cup chopped pecans

 

 Beat cream cheese, lime juice, cumin, salt, pepper and oil with an electric mixer until blended.  

Stir in corn and pecans.

  Serve with tortilla or pita chips. 

Once your picnic is packed you just need some good friends, and you are all set.

What more could you want?

Fabulous friends, food and fellowship.

Nothing better!

 

So what are you packing in your picnic basket these days?