Picnic Idea for Sunday

[SusanL]

We are having a retirement picnic tomorrow. Everyone signed up to bring something, I couldn't get to see the list to decide what to take, meetings every time I had the opportunity to see the list. I can't call the people who will be having the party, as they will be in and out. I do know that they are serving hamburgers and hot dogs, chili, lots of salads, and desserts. What would be something safe I could take without offending anyone, by repeating their food? Help, not only do I feel stressed out but stretched to the max!! TIA for ANY ideas!!

[valchemist]

You could make the Chocolate Eclair Icebox Cake or the Chocolate Banana Pudding with Toffee Bars. I think either of those two desserts would go over well and would be significantly different from the standard picnic desserts so that people wouldn't think you were trying to outshine them.

Those two recipes are quite similar, actually, even though it doesn't initially sound that way from looking at the titles.

Both should definitely be made ahead (like this morning if the picnic is tomorrow). Both "get better with age."

have fun,
val

[valchemist]

Oh, Susan, I have another idea. There is this recipe that I have been meaning to try which was posted a while ago. It was from Bon Appetit, I think, and was posted by buddie (so everyone was calling it Buddie's Baked Beans).

These look so good to me!


* Exported from MasterCook *

Hot and Smokey Baked Beans

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 8 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Beans Side Dishes
Vegetarian Vegetarian Main Dishes


Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
6 bacon slices
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
1 1/4 cups barbecue sauce
3/4 cup dark beer
1/4 cup light molasses
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons dark brown sugar -- (packed)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
4 teaspoons minced canned chipotle chilies -- (4 to 6)
6 15-ounce can great northern beans -- drained

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook bacon in large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to paper towels and drain. Transfer 2 1/2 tablespoons bacon drippings from skillet to large bowl. Finely chop bacon; add to bowl. Add onion and next 7 ingredients to bowl and whisk to blend. Whisk in 4 to 6 teaspoons chipotle chilies, depending on spiciness desired. Stir in beans. Transfer bean mixture to 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Bake uncovered until liquid bubbles and thickens slightly, about 1 hour. Cool 10 minutes.

Serves 8 to 10



Description:
"baked beans with chipotles"
Source:
"Bon Appetit (posted on CL bb)"

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 496 Calories; 5g Fat (8.2% calories from fat); 27g Protein; 89g Carbohydrate; 17g Dietary Fiber; 4mg Cholesterol; 658mg Sodium. Exchanges: 4 1/2 Grain(Starch); 2 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 1/2 Fat; 1 Other Carbohydrates.

NOTES :
Serve these hot or at room temperature.



[This message has been edited by valchemist (edited 06-02-2001).]

[HARRYET]

Susan,

Is there someone else you can call that is going to the party that may know whats being brought?

If not, how about a nice fruit platter w/dip, or slice up watermelon, these two are always refreshing and no-fat. Maybe some type of jello salad, there was a thread awhile back on jello salads.

Good Luck Ann

[SusanL]

Thanks for the ideas, I panicked this AM and bought a ham, rye bread, cheddar cheese, and some mustard. DH thought that since there were going to be kids there, mini ham sandwiches would be great to walk around and eat until the grilled foods were ready. All of the above suggestions are greatly appreciated and I have downloaded them. I initially planned on making Buckaroo Beans,similar to Val's recipe, but the person who gave me the recipe told me last minute that she was making them. I could only concede, since it was her recipe!! The chipoltes sound wonderful!! Mine has ground coffee in it.
Thank you all again, as now I am sort of comfortable with our decision. Otherwise, I will have ham for this week to eat, our last week of school!!

[SusanL]

Hi, I had to report back on picnic today. I made a 12lb ham, sliced 6lb for the picnic, within 45 minutes it was gone! People ate it as a sandwich or dipped it in mustard. Many rave reviews and was asked to do it again for our next outing!! A last minute idea turned out OK!! It was a Hazel ham sold at a local butcher shop. Thanks again for all of your ideas, I have downloaded them for future reference!!!
I froze the rest of the ham for grilling and scalloped potatoes...I really love them!!!