Check out my progress on Picnic Virgin
As I settled in at Starbucks today, with my Passion tea and copy of The Birmingham News, I came across this article. A quirky new shop has opened up here in Birmingham that sells nothing but picnic paraphernalia–vintage picnic baskets, croquet sets, and even sandwiches to take on an impromptu outdoor rendezvous. I was quite intrigued by this unique business venture…and then realized that I have never been on a picnic. Sure, I see couples embarking on romantic picnics quite often at the Duke Gardens when I am up at school, and I watch Ina Garten take picnics to the beach all the time, but I’ve never been on one myself. Shocking, that I have never participated in such a foodie-tastic activity. Have you ever been on a picnic? Do you have any favorite picnic-appropriate recipes?
It was a rainy day today, however, so no picnic-ing today. Here are my indoor eats:
Tuesday
I reviewed this protein powder before, and I stand by my previous appraisal–its chalky flavor warrants only a “meh” reaction from my taste buds. At least the Heart to Heart made for a tasty topper. Do you like the hearts or the Os better?
strawberry smoothie with vanilla soyprotein, soymilk, & Kashi H2H
Wednesday
Back when I was a freshman, often all I had time for in the morning was a PBJ. Unfortunately, the dining hall offered only chemical-laden jams…so I got creative. I slathered the bread with PB then utilized the fresh berry bar for the jam component. Mash up a few blackberries, and voila! Whole-fruit jam. I pulled a similar trick this morning with strawberries and almond butter. Delish. I also highly recommend this flavor of Chobani–those are actual pom seeds! It seems like most pomegranate-flavored things are just that–flavored, but don’t actually include any of the real fruit. Points for Chobani!
0% Chobani, pomegranate flavor
strawberry-almond butter sandwich; pom Chobani
pom seed!
This past weekend, I picked up a package of rice paper wrappers on a whim. I put them to use today by making some summer rolls. I actually have no idea how to make authentic summer rolls, but my version included veggies and more of that Turtle Island tempeh from Monday. I meant to include some Thai basil from my garden, but there wasn’t any room anyway! For the dipping sauce, I simply used the cashew-ginger sauce from my beloved Cashew Ginger Tofu recipe and reduced it down on the stovetop. My tummy was quite happy after this meal.
Sesame Garlic Tempeh Summer Rolls with cashew ginger dipping sauce; greens with orange segments & overflow veggies
cashew-ginger crack
the tasty innards: portabella mushrooms, Sesame Garlic Tempeh strips, red bell pepper, & cucumber
For dinner, I made a quick recipe from Clean Eating magazine. I’ve made it once before, and I’m thinking I should make it more often. After all quinoa is a quite the superfood.
Quinoa Black Bean Salad with avocado; cantaloupe; squash & onions; almond milk with Amazing Grass Kidz
Alright, off to watch the presidential news conference. Later, lovelies.
Filed under: Meals
Caroline Yoder, dietitian-to-be and all-around foodie.
You got me with the spring rolls…nom nom nom
I LOVE picnic meals!! I even own one of those “stereotypical” picnic baskets (looks like this):
http://www.toyday.co.uk/shop/images/uploads/bearteaset.jpg
That strawberry-almond butter sandwich would be even BETTER with Futter’s strawberry-almond butter spread…
Ohhh, I used to live in Birmingham! For 11 years. Probably the best place I’ve ever lived
*vestavia*
I love nutty dipping sauces…
Perhaps you should try have an indoor picnic, setting up a blanket and pretty dishes in the middle of your living room
Summer rolls sound perfect for this hot weather! Thanks for the great idea – those would be terrifico in my little lunch box! (And I love dipping those kind of rolls in peanut sauce too! Or cashew or almond sauce, just as easily.)
Oh man, your spring rolls look so tasty!
I never thought of putting fresh fruit with AB on bread…..what a great idea in place of jams. I’m gonna have to try that.
A picnic store?! Talk about niche, haha. I’d definitely check it out! I love picnics but don’t do them enough. Everything tastes better outside, in my opinion.
hey girl!
Where did you get your rice paper wrappers?????? I had my very first one at a health restaurant a month ago and can’t find them anywhere!!!
your spring rolls look INCREDIBLE!!!
picnics are so much fun!! Fruit salad and PB and J. woop woop!! its the way to do it;)
or a vegan sweet potato salad.. pretty awesome.
After thinking about it, I’ve never been on a picnic either actually! I’ve been wanting to go on one this summer though. All I keep imagining is a basket full of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and a bottle of wine lol. I suppose pasta salad would work well too though!
I have been on a picnic many times to the beach and while camping (does that count? We do eat picnic-ey foods!). I love pasta salad with an Italian vinaigrette, olives, veggies, and fresh parsley. Yum!
I personally cannot choose between the hearts and o’s. It’s kind of like choosing between hugs and kisses—both are great in their own way
Oh my goodness! Pomegranate flavored yogurt?? Gotta love that Chobani! By the way, what kind of bread do you use? Your sandwiches always look great with soft fluffy bread!
I’ve got to make homemade summer rolls. I adore them at Vietnamese or Thai places!
i want your summer rolls! YUM! and i don’t think i’ve ever been on a picnic either! *GASP!*
i know i’ve eaten food at the beach before, and at parks, and at picnic-like birthday parties when i was younger, but i’ve never had a traditional let’s-pack-a-basket-of-food picnic. and picnics are so cute! now i want to have one…
enjoy the presidential news conference…politics…can’t handle ‘em for the life of me! wish i could. i’d probably be a lot more knowledgeable. anyway, have a good night, chica!
-JB
http://cardiovegsular.wordpress.com
OMG! Rice paper! I have been looking for rice paper, like, all my life. I even went to the asian food market, found a bunch of egg roll/tofu skin wrappers/wonton wrappers/gyozaw rappers but none of the translucent summer roll wrappers that I just love. Its like, my favorite thing to get at saladelia ;p
where did you find that?@?!
You know what I love about picnics? How they can be totally impromptu! I consider sitting on a bench and eating a sandwich a picnic in and of itself
Your dinner looks great. I love that mag!
The only kind of picnic I went on was at a park concert and Mark and I brought burritos. The idea sounds fabulous though! I would probably bring a good sandwich on crusty bread.
Strawberry AB Sandwich?! AMAZING!
Mmm and those Spring Rolls sound fabulous too!
those summer rolls look delicious with that ginger sauce!!!
I think your summer rolls look wonderful!
I haven’t been on a picnic in YEARS, but we do tail gate alot!
I need to try that Strawberry and Almond butter stat! It looks so amazingly comforting. Yum!
holy smokes you are so creative with your jam creating!! Love it!
My favorite picnic spot is right in the middle of town next to the gazebo
strawberry almond butter sandwich? that is genius! hmmm i think i have been on a few picnics when i was a kid~it would be real fun to go on one this summer though! thanks for the inspiration
Pom Chobs!? that sounds SO good!! I’m gonna be on the lookout for that in a BIG way.
I’ve never been on a picnic but that store sounds super fun
I’m loving your breakfast! I use fresh fruit instead of jelly as well! Strawberries, bananas, and blueberries taste delicious with peanut butter and bread!
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