Sunday, February 20, 2011

Dessert and Cheese Course in One!

Photo and recipe from: http://nami-nami.blogspot.com/

Your favorite brie, fresh strawberries, a sprig of mint and this sweet mouthful can serve as a cheese and dessert course in one! Even the cooking challenged bride (or her mother) can pull these together.  All you need to do is be able to wield a knife, wash strawberries and trim the mint and join them all on a single decorative toothpick! Simple and sweet. What more could you ask?



Saturday, February 19, 2011

Shredded Red Cabbage Salad with Pistachios (Are You Hungry Yet?)

Recipe and photo courtesy of
 The Cilantropist at http://cilantropist.blogspot.com/

This simple but colorful recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a picnic wedding.  You can serve it in the leaves of the cabbage for the perfect side for a 'green wedding.'  The Cilantropist adapted her recipe from James Peterson's Cooking.  The crunch of the cabbage and the nuts make this a 'must save' recipe even if you aren't planning a picnic wedding.  It's also a perfect outdoor slaw--NO MAYO! Enjoy! 

Recipe and photo courtesy of The Cilantropist at http://cilantropist.blogspot.com/

For other James Peterson recipes you can order his book at Amazon.com or purchase it your local bookstore.
James Peterson Cookbook photo courtesy of Amazon.com

Individual Desserts Cool and Refresh Your Guests


Looking for a cool but easy dessert for a picnic wedding (or any other wedding for that matter), consider these individual dessert glasses filled with strawberry shortcake and whipped cream.  Fresh strawberries and sponge cake are a refreshing change from heavy wedding cake, and your guests are sure to enjoy it.  You don't have to just serve one type of singe serve dessert, you can have a dessert table that offers your guests a wide array of desserts and sweets.

Cherry Tomatoes - Bocconcini Lollipops

Photo and recipe from: http://moogieland.blogspot.com/

Looking for something a little different for an appetizer? Try this easy to make but attractive recipe that is based on caprese salad. This pairing of mozzarella and tomatoes is a perfect combination for picnic weddings or appetizers anytime of year.

Photos courtesy of Dahan Caterers Washington DC

Moogie from Moogie and Pap's web site suggests using black rice inside a tall glass to stabilize the skewers, but you could easily serve this on a base of seen above of grass, inserting the skewer into the field of green.

Ingredients:

12 cherry tomatoes (stems removed) You can use regular cherry tomatoes or Trader Joe's sells heirloom cherry tomatoes.

12 bocconcine (baby Mozzarella)

2 tablespoons virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon Italian seasonings

1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley

Directions:

1. With a sharp knife, remove the top 1/4 inch of each tomato.

2. Skewer the bottom of each tomato with a large wooden or bamboo skewer. For the most eye-catching presentation, stand the lollipops in tall glasses. (I put black rice inside my glass to help stabilize the lollipops)

3. In a bowl, combine the seasoning and olive oil, and parsley. Drizzle a little over each tomato before serving.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Colorful Lemonades


Looking for an unusual lemonade to serve at at your picnic wedding or summer outdoor wedding? Try Hot Pink Lemonade or Cucumber Lemonade.


Photos and recipes at: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Refreshing-Cucumber-Lemonade/Detail.aspx

Cucumber is the perfect complement to the traditional summer lemonade. Display it in the pitcher with cucumber and/or lemon slices.
Cucumber Lemonade in a punch bowl

Hot Pink Lemonade is a refreshing, fun recipe for blueberry lemonade! Tart and sweet with a boost of antioxidants from the blueberries and pretty for a wedding.  Serve Meyer Lemonade, Cucumber and Hot Pink Lemonade in clear drink dispensers for a great ade bar.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Looking For the Ultimate Backyard BBQ Experience?

Photo courtesy of The Windmill's web site


I'm not sure if any of you summer near Long Branch NJ but if you do I'm sure you have spent many days/evenings pigging out at The Windmill.  The Windmill is now offering to provide their gourmet BBQ food for an ultimate backyard BBQ experience.  They offer the WindMill's famous Hot Dogs, Hamburgers and To Die For Cheese Fries in you own backyard! Their professional catering staff will help create the ultimate experience for your guests and guarantees that everyone will be satisfied.  Best of all they offer three hours of unlimited food for 29.95 per person with a 50 person minimum.  So if you're planning a picnic wedding or backyard BBQ give The Windmill a call.  For more info check out their web site at http://www.windmillrestaurantsusa.com/

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Wedding Picnics

All photos courtesy of ://www.saraspartyperfect.com

Having a casual wedding in the backyard or park? Nina at Designs by Nina posted these great ideas to inspire you to make your own wedding unique.




Love the pink lemonade served in bottles with straws and the Brownie Pops look so good!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Planning a Wedding Tea or Picnic?

Cucumber Water (stock photo)

If you are unsure what to serve for drinks consider these options: Champagne and Pomegranate Cocktails, Cucumber Water, Lemon Water, Other Citrus flavored waters, Pink Lemonade with Kiwi and Vodka, Bellini's, Mimosas, and Herbal Teas with Citrus.  All are cool and refreshing options for any wedding tea or picnic.


Champagne and Pomegranate Cocktails
Photo Courtesy of: http://www.foodnetwork.com


Bellini Cocktail Courtesy of http://www.dinkydinners.com



Lemon Water Courtesy of: MartySQ