Fork-Free Summer Picnic Menu
By Coco Morante |
Last Updated June 28, 2017
Fresh, Seasonal and Finger Licking
Use the best of what’s growing to make this picnic lunch! Transform fresh watermelon into a kid- and adult-friendly soda syrup; pair local cheeses and fruits for an appetizing first course; spoon silky hummus and crunchy vegetables into pita pockets for a portable lunch; and whip up a batch of blackberry jam bars for a sweet ending. Everything is make-ahead friendly, ultra packable, fork-free and perfect for an outdoor adventure.
Blackberry Jam Bars
Make the jam from scratch, or buy a pint of your favorite farmers market variety for these irresistible dessert bars. The jam is sandwiched between a buttery crust and sweet, cinnamon-scented crumb...
Cilantro Hummus
The best way to get creamy, silky hummus is by using warm chickpeas. Either cook up a batch of dried chickpeas or, for a quick version, heat canned chickpeas in a little water on the stove before you...
Watermelon Soda and Shandies
Reduce watermelon juice to concentrate its sweet flavor, then mix it with honey for an unusual summer soda syrup. Kids can enjoy it as a soda mixed with seltzer water, while adults can enjoy the soda...
Fruit and Cheese Skewers
Cube up a couple of your favorite semi-soft or medium-hard cheeses and pair them with skewers of ripe summer fruit. My California cheese picks include Bellwether Farms Carmody and Cypress Grove Lamb...
