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Ruth Stroud's avatar

Le piquenique! Definitely a precious rite of summer! I enjoyed the literary references, the history and the recipe you shared, Vicki!

We often had family picnics—always on Sundays—when I was a kid. My mother packed all sorts of goodies into one of those classic wicker baskets, which had forks, knives and plates (green glass, if my memory is correct) and we’d consume it on a blanket near the beach. There was cold chicken, hard boiled eggs, roast beef sandwiches, lemonade in a thermos, cake or cookies, and fresh fruit, but I don’t remember salads. However, I’m on the hunt for a salad to bring to a picnic dinner at an upcoming open-air concert—thinking of a cool feta, arugula, quinoa, avocado with pesto salad that I tasted recently and want to make…

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Vicki Smith's avatar

Thanks Ruth. Your mom packed a delicious-sounding spread! The salad with the feta sounds good too.

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Peggy Hill's avatar

Thank you for sharing what you discovered about picnics from times long ago, very worthy of contemplation! …I haven’t been on a picnic in Ages! Your recipes always get me interested in trying something new, or possibly adding a new ingredient. I hope your Summer continues to be adventurous!💓

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Vicki Smith's avatar

Thank you, Peggy!

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Amy Allen's avatar

Thanks for the history lesson and visit to your town's parade. You've inspired me to make a picnic salad to bring to the beach this weekend. Probably a riff on yours--black beans, red and yellow bell peppers, cotija, cilantro, and avocado. That, along with watermelon and this new go-to bread: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/blueberry-muffin-bread/#tasty-recipe-video-embed-67367 might just do it.

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Vicki Smith's avatar

That sounds delightful! I enjoy the recipes on that website. Thanks for sharing.

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Amie McGraham's avatar

You’ve given me an idea—a community picnic potluck!

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Vicki Smith's avatar

Yes! They have something like that at ArtYard in our area. Everyone brings their own picnic plus something to share.

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Sally Showalter's avatar

What a lovely time you had, and this salad is on my list. I grew up in the Midwest with picnics all summer. Various family members each time, and I cannot possibly pick out a favorite food. The times spent was the richest. Thank you for a lovely post.

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Vicki Smith's avatar

Thank you Sally!!

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