The fine outdoors
I don't think anyone would describe me as "outdoorsy." In fact, once I posted a picture on a hike with my son and the many comments I got (asking if I was lost or if I'd lost it) were telling in and of themselves. But there are things I love to do out of doors. One of them, just below sailing in the Balearic seas with friends or lounging by the pool in Puglia, is finding a lovely patch of grass in the sun for a picnic.
And right now, with the choices for summer pastimes slim, a picnic is a boon. Fill a basket (or a tote bag) with panzanella and some baked chicken ricotta meatballs, a large bottle of sparkling water with many (pre-sliced) limes, and a container of fresh strawberries. Head to your local park or some idyllic spot with a fountain or a view, head to the beach if you can, head to the backyard! My son and I have become quite fond of what we call "trunk snacks," in which we drive to somewhere beautiful, pop the trunk, set it up with a pillow and a picnic blanket. And we lunch.
Some parchment-wrapped breakfast sandwiches or mushroom tartines, followed by a tin of fresh figs (get 'em while you can) or a baggie of fresh-baked almond cookies? Can't complain. Or how about something a bit more snack-y? Graze on chips dipped into homemade olive tapenade, some marinated feta, a heaping pile of polenta fries, a few slices of prosciutto (wrapped around cantaloupe for extra credit), some chocolate date bites or caramel popcorn for a little sweet finish. Things are looking up!
If there's a birthday or something to celebrate, go with deviled eggs (these are made with shrimp, but I've also made them with truffle pearls and can't recommend that enough) and some spicy chickpeas with coconut. Put all the ingredients together for smoked trout and radish tartines and let everyone compile their own. (Find excellent tinned smoked trout here.) If you can't have wine outside wherever you are, perhaps a booze-less cocktail, like the Grand Prix.
As for a celebratory dessert that travels well? How about pistachio cupcakes or chocolate chip Saltine blondies or a strawberry galette? It may be last, but it's not least.
You don't even have to make it such a production, take some iced coffees and little treats with you to a pretty spot and chill for an hour. Take in the sunshine, the view, the grass, the trees. Share a few vanilla almond biscotti with your people (or don't), bring a few slices of banana bread and a jumble of fresh berries, or a couple of grilled cheeses (sans dippy eggs).
If you're indeed picnicking in your backyard, meet at the designated blanket spot for cocktail hour. You'll need little more than gin, tonic, a handful of limes, and some ice. A few crostini to tide you over. (Or a giant tin of popcorn.) Or a colorful beet salad if you'd like a bit more sustenance.
Give me a view of the water, sunlight dappled through trees. Give me the scent of fresh grass and summer sunscreen. Give me a place to lounge a while and a red checkered picnic blanket. Give me a pass on open container laws. And I'll be a happy picnicker. (I don't think I'll ever be a camper, happy or otherwise.)
Playlist:
Primo Summer Vibes, by Spotify.
It's the kind of playlist that you just let ride.
Pre-dinner cocktail:
Gracias Madre's mezcal mule,
to remind us of drinking in our favorite establishments
Menu:
A pot of littleneck clams, steamed in butter
Served with good crusty bread and dippy ricotta on the side
And then, a skillet pizza with your choice of toppings
And, voila, fresh summer strawberries in sparkling wine for dessert
Wine:
A Sauvignon Blanc, a Gavi di Gavi, or a dry rosé...
Cheers!
This apricot cake, from @marenkiersti, stopped me in my tracks. Top of the to-bake list!