Romantic (Yet Light) Picnic Ideas?

[Jen]

It's my fourth wedding anniversary this weekend...for the other years we've done really elaborate (and expensive!) things, but we just got back from vacation and decided that was too expensive this year. We thought it might be nice to have just a nice, romantic, "gourmet" meal at home, but then we thought it would be even nicer to have it down on the beach (assuming the weather clears up here - it's kinda cloudy!). Anyway, does anyone have ideas of things we could take on a picnic that would be (1) sort of romantic, (2) easy to carry and (3) relatively light? Usually for picnics I do the cheese and cracker thing, maybe shrimp sandwiches with cream cheese on croissants...but needless to say, that's not very light!! Any suggestions you have would be appreciated. I have CL only from last October, 1999.

Thanks for any input you can provide! Much appreciated!!

[Natasha]

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding anniversary!

When my boyfriend and I have "get-away-from-it-all" picnics, I like to bring a combination of:
- French bread from the best bakery I can find (okay, without driving all across town)
- cheese (Mini Babybel is convenient, good, cute, and not terrible for you, I don't think) or La Vache qui Rit/Laughing Cow spreadable light cheese (actually quite good)
- non-creamy pasta salad or other similar salad (not a salad salad)
- berries or grapes, unless we're hiking, in which case they aren't recommended http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif
- brownies (just because) - either light or non-light, usually non-light http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif
- we also have this "ritual" http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif where we each make or bring something that we know the other particularly likes, and that stays a surprise until we unpack the food
- (of course) the best bottle of wine we can splurge on (and wine glasses, of course!)
- lots of fresh water
- if we're not hiking, fairly nice cutlery and pretty napkins (otherwise not as nice cutlery and still pretty napkins!)

Once in a while I'll add a dish or two (and actually do some REAL cooking), but usually I like to keep it very simple. Not creative, I guess, but I do hope this helps. I'm sure you'll get some fabulous, more inventive ideas from others here. In any event - enjoy!! I wouldn't worry too much about it being light. It is your anniversary! Hope you have perfect weather for it, too.



[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 07-26-2000).]

[CATHIEA]

We like to picnic too. How about marinading and baking skinned chickn legs in soy sauce with ginger and garlic. Pair them with the Peanutty Noodles from May 2000, fresh sliced tomatoes in balsamic vinegar and minted fruit salad (assorted melon balls and seasonal fruits tossed in a mint-based dressing), then let the calories go with a really, really good bottle of wine (I'd do a pinot noir or even a Sangiovese with the garlicky other food here). Serve your food on best china and use your best glassware and table cloth too!
CathieA

[Grace]

Here is a shrimp sandwich recipe from CL that I made a few weeks ago (I was perusing some old issues, and saw the picture of it - they lookes SO good - I got a taste for them right away!) And they were really, really good.

CookWare(tm) from Cooking Light(r)

Cool-as-a-Cucumber Shrimp Sandwich

SOURCE: Cooking Light YEAR: June PAGE: 86

INGREDIENTS FOR 6 SERVINGS:
1/3 cup minced green onions
1/4 cup tub-style light cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 teaspoon fresh dill
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
6 (1-1/2-ounce) French bread rolls
1-1/2 pounds large shrimp, cooked and peeled
1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes
6 curly leaf lettuce leaves

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Combine first 7 ingredients in a bowl. Cut rolls in half horizontally.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over cut sides of rolls; arrange shrimp on
bottom halves of rolls. Arrange the cucumber and radishes evenly over shrimp;
top with lettuce leaves and roll tops. Yield: 6 servings.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
CALORIES 270 (21% from fat); FAT 6.3g (sat 2g, mono 1.4g, poly 2.3g); PROTEIN
23.7g; CARB 27.5g; FIBER 1.2g; CHOL 176mg; IRON 3.9mg; SODIUM 751mg; CALC 98mg

[Kristilyn1]

I wonder if the parmesan crusted chicken would work??? Served on two slices of some srious good french bread and some roasted red peppers? Sounds like a good sandwich to me. Or, our favorite caterer makes chicken salad with big, beautiful red grapes sliced in it--fabulous!

Or our family's favorite is make a chicken caesar salad and scoop it into tortillas. About as romantic as a pb&j--but sure tastes good.

A chilled soup perhaps? Cold sliced tenderloin with a horseradish dipping sauce on the side? Or go really simple and do sliced gouda cheese with crisp granny smith apples. Keep us posted on what you choose--can you tell I'm hungry???

Kristi

[Ohioan]

How about grilled (or broiled) eggplant slices with roasted peppers, a touch of shredded cabbage, and a raspberry vinaigrette (or Dijon mustard) on French rolls?

Speaking of eggplant, try chopping some up along with some zucchini or yellow summer squash, mushrooms, and onions (all chopped about the same size, except the onions a little smaller). Douse lightly with a mixture of tomato paste diluted in water, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and basil. Mix everything together and roast at about 450F until the eggplant is softened, stirring everything up occasionally. When it's all done, pack it into some pitas or hollowed out baguettes.

Another seat of the pants recipe brought to you by the woman who never measures anything exept under extreme duress. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/rolleyes.gif

[Deanna]

Why not some boiled, spiced shrimp that has been already peeled (so your fingers don't get so messy?) But HEY...I forget you are at the BEACH! You can wash your hands as needed!!

Something to dip the shrimp in...some nice crusty bread...a salad...with the new soft-sided coolers and ice packs, just about anything is tote-able these days!

[Natasha]

Okay - I admit it - I am the QUEEN OF LAZY. How could I suggest not cooking anything from scratch?! I am SO ashamed..... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif

On the sandwich idea, I was thinking that you could also do marinated portobello mushroom grilled sandwiches with roasted red peppers, fresh herbs, cheese or cheeses of your choice (optional), and a sturdier French-style bread.

I also really like Ohioan s idea of the chopped eggplant mixture. This could also be good packed in a separate container, if you also take along a bag of mini pitas or cut-off soft tortillas. Then you could just dip these into the eggplant mixture [sigh - how romantic... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif ] You could also do this with hummus (mmmmm), etc.

I know, I m still not suggesting serious cooking. For shame! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif Anyway, do enjoy yourself!

[Jen]

Wow, thanks for all the great suggestions! I think I will print out this thread for hubby and let him have some say in our dinner (of course, he'll just say "whatever you want"...I've got him well trained!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif )

Thanks again...I'll let you know how it turns out!


[This message has been edited by Jen (edited 07-26-2000).]

[cookgirl]

***Sorry guys. I must edit. My bad spelling is out of control!!!***

JEN--This is your conscience speaking.

Do you really want to pull the plug on a romantic climax by saying "Oh just a minute honey. Can you help me put this tupperware away real quick?" or "oops I better cover these leftovers."

I say make for an easy cleanup. If you want to prepare fancy stuff, maybe arrange everything on one or two plates to take, rather than having to serve at the picnic.
Take disposable stuff. If you're environmentally concerned, take minimal stuff.
Do NOT compromise a classic champagne or wine and REAL glasses for Jack Daniels mini bottles and solo cups.
Do not forget candles for mood lighting
Pick a private place (on a boat at dock, a golf course, your backyard...)not a place you're likely to be bothered.
And remember zat all ze food you take is only an appetizer...ze main course and ze dessert are up to you and your guest!!!

Love,
Dr. Ruth

[This message has been edited by cookgirl (edited 07-28-2000).]

[This message has been edited by cookgirl (edited 07-28-2000).]

[Natasha]

Hey Jen, I was thinking (still on the No Real Cooking theme - anyone sense a trend?) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif :

Why don't you and your husband pretend you're tourists http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif and go down to the Granville Island Market on The Big Day and just wander around leisurely, having a look at all that great, fresh food and buying whatever strikes your fancy? Then take your chosen feast to a beautiful place and enjoy! (Don't know if that the Market is ANYWHERE close to where you were planning to picnic, but it's an idea...)

[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 07-27-2000).]

[ElinorC]

Cookgirl,
I think you have the right idea for a romantic picnic! Create the mood and anything will taste great and the cleanup be darned! Much more interesting things to do after a romantic time.