There is something so exhilarating about a summer jaunt to the farmer’s market.
As I stroll about the place with my latte, I feel so content, resourceful and fairly “cool.” I sample pickles and drool over berry pies, take snapshots of colorful produce and marvel at nature’s bounty. It makes you feel like you should just become a vegetarian-slash/ baked-goods-atarian (definitely not a vegan though, because of the fabulous artisan cheeses #yum). In my town, our farmer’s market is a beloved event.
As typical at many markets, the farmers’ tents and tables are abundant with amazing produce, baked goods and more. Along with all of the farmers’ goodness, we are lucky to be treated to a concert in the park adjacent to the market. What could be lovelier? I liked it all so much, I decided to share my love for the market and host a picnic for friends there at the market! Here are some of the farm fresh recipes and picnic packing ideas that will have you wanting to gather up family and friends, pack a picnic and head to the market, too!
So, you are probably thinking “Oh, sure, just pack a picnic.” I know, packing a picnic for a crowd can seem like a chore. There are some key elements to an EASY and delicious portable feast.
As a veteran event planner, my most important tool is the simple concept called a “list.” I am a list maker from way back…and if you want to make life simple when planning a gathering, you should take up this habit too. The first thing on my “list” is a menu. When you start your planning with a menu, everything else follows. This is important because then you know what you will make, what you will solicit from guests, and what extra goodies you will simply pick up at the market.
“De-le-gation…ity-ahty-aition!” (while clapping and chanting over and over)
The next big message, DON’T BE A SLAVE TO YOUR PICNIC! I highly suggest that you don’t make every little morsel yourself because this ties you to your kitchen and makes you resent your party. Here’s a little party planning chant that you should keep flowing in the back of your brain…ready, everyone now…”delegation…ity-ahty- aition!” I am a big proponent of the idea that “many hands make light work.” So, in that spirit, delegate categories of food to your friends like this: “Julie, you make that killer Waldorf Salad, bring it to the picnic tomorrow.” Simple, right? Do that with 5 more people and you have a lot of your work done for you. Then, only make a few signature items and pick-up already created food goods, because who wants to work that hard at creating a casual affair, like a picnic. Don’t resent your party.
Next, one of the most important elements to your picnic at the market: you MUST have the right portable gear. We need to keep the cold items cold and the warm items warm but while we are being responsible with our food stuffs, we also want to be fashionable. As you peruse my recipes check out some of the helpful must-have picnic-going gear.
The big issue with a traveling feast is keeping food at temperature. Fit & Fresh has some of the best products I have ever used to keep my picnic food cold or hot—either way, it will be fresh and safe to eat. I used their Gatherings Bakeware Insulated Server, a glass casserole that is encased in a protective plastic container with a hinged lid, along with the Gatherings Divided Serving Platter. This product has it all. It allows you to travel your food easily with a strap handle that wraps around the insulated container. The best part, Fit & Fresh also makes fabulous insulated and sealed bowls. I love this product line!
One of my favorite items is the Picnic Time Backpack. I just love to stuff it full of bottles of Prosecco and vino. So easy to strap to my back keeping my beverages cold and my hands free as I unload goods for the big picnic.
Next is the coolest combination of cheese tray, cutting board and cheese cutter storage unit by Metrokane. This makes portable storage of your cheese knives a perfect way to transport your charcuterie and cheese platter while providing you with a cutting board.
Outdoor dining calls for a refreshing sip. This drink is so sophisticated and lovely that it would be a crime to serve it in a plastic cup. Get fancy, treat yourself and your guests, bring out some gorgeous glassware like this Patina Vie barware.
Nothing against the veggies but I could just eat this simple dip with a spoon. Choose any vegetables that you love to dip with as an accoutrement. I also add crostini, breadsticks or sometimes pita chips to serve this delicious dip with.
This is a super-summery dressing to add to any salad. I like to serve this fresh vinaigrette over grilled romaine lettuce. Instead of always serving food in containers that are high on ultra-practical and low on style, I like to bring a piece of real service ware to the table. The Le Cordon Bleu casserole in blue is a substantial piece and a beautiful way to serve this salad.
Roast garlic:
Vinaigrette:
Last but not least, dessert!
Soda Pop Lemon Curd:
Soda Pop Lime Curd:
Zest Crust:
Lemon and Lime Curd:
Zest Crust:
Also shown: Picnic Time Portable Folding Picnic Table, Picnic Time Blanket Tote, Allsop Solar Tea Lanterns
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