Caring for elderly parents can sometimes be daunting. As the adult child you may have feelings of guilt. The added difficulty is you are usually looking after a parent who fears losing his or her independence.
Losing their independence is the most difficult thing elderly people face but as our parents age, the likelihood of this becomes greater. Often they have problems being able to meet their daily needs because of diminished abilities and their failing health. They may also need to be protected so they don't hurt themselves. Examples of this are: issues relating to the stove, i.e.: leaving a pot cooking on the hot stove, leaving a tea towel too close to the elements, or leaving an empty pan on a hot element to dry, as my mother did.
Severe problems with memory can cause other concerns for adult children. With my mother, remembering to take her medications were a concern. Phoning to remind her did not guarantee that she actually took them. Forgetting appointments can sometimes be problematic as well. Another issue that concerned me with my mother was her tendency to tell too much to phone canvassers. She also tended to send checks off to anyone who asked for money. Also of concern was her growing inability to pay her bills and keep her accounts, or even her mail, organized.
Losing their ability to safely drive hugely affects a senior's sense of independence and can often become a battle between elderly parents and their adult children. My mother, fortunately, was aware when she was unable to drive in the evenings and limited herself. She would have been a danger, not only to herself, but to others as well. She was told by medical professionals when she was unable to drive during the day. She accepted it from them whereas she would not have from her family. However, this was a huge blow to her independence. She began going downhill from there because she had always prided herself on being an independent person.
Although assisted living is a wonderful alternative for those who are unable to care for themselves, it is still another step towards losing their independence. It signifies another indication of loss of control over their own environment. Most seniors would prefer to remain in their own homes. But for many this is not feasible. Very often living with their families is not an option either. For my own mother, getting up and down my stairs became increasingly difficult for her.
Often elderly parents will not be happy with the switch in roles as adult children become, by necessity, the caregivers of their parents, depending on the amount of care required. My mother, in assisted living, enjoys my role of taking her to all of her appointments, shopping for her, doing her banking, her dishes and having lunch out occasionally.
In many families, it is one child who will shoulder most of the responsibility for the elderly parent and in many cases it is the daughters who are the caregivers. In a recent study it was discovered that in 41 percent of the cases, one of the adult children is responsible and in 3 percent of the cases, there is equal contribution between the siblings. In some cases it is proximity and other times it is willingness or availability.
Sometimes elderly parents can be very demanding and as a result adult children have feelings of guilt that they never seem to be doing enough. The question then is 'what are you reasonably able to do for your parent without neglecting other members of your family?' It is important to strike a balance without feelings of guilt. And in some cases it may be important to insist that other siblings step up and help with elderly parents if one person is having the majority of the responsibility and is making all of the sacrifices.
As parents age, it becomes increasingly difficult for both the elderly parent as well as for the adult child. And although we love our parents, it is not advisable to neglect the rest of our family, or our own health, to care for them. Some of the options are to encourage other family members to help or to look into assisted living accommodations.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Games to Play at a Housewarming Party
Housewarming parties are fun occasions but add a few games to the mix and you've got an evening that will be remembered by all of your guests for a long time. The following ideas are some of the games that can be played at your party:
Start the evening out by handing each of your guests, when they arrive, a number which will be used for picking a winner for the door prize. Then put the same numbers into a bowl or bucket and later in the evening have someone pick the winning number. The prize can be a serious gift or a gag gift. The prize can be decided upon based on your guest list. Are they the serious sort or do they like the goofy things in life?
Do your own version of Scrabble. Give each guest paper and pencils and using the word housewarming, have them write as many words as they can using only those letters. The one who completes the most correct words in the allotted time is the winner. Give a prize for perhaps the first and the second winners of the game.
On 8 1/2” x 11” pieces of paper, draw pictures of houses and number them and then place them haphazardly on the floor in one room. Put the corresponding numbers into a bowl or a bucket and play some music. When you stop the music, pick a number and whoever is standing on the picture with that number will win the musical houses game. This can be done several times but be sure to remove the numbered houses on the floor as each number has been used. Winners will receive prizes.
Another version of this could be a cake walk. Using the numbered houses and the music again, when a number is called, the person standing on the numbered house could be the winner of a cake. This gives you the opportunity to show off your expertise as a cake baker.
If you really want to go all out with the prizes, have a lucky dip. Place papers into a bowl or bucket that have prize items listed on each slip. As each guest draws out a paper, give them the prize that is written on the paper. Prizes can be silly or serious. They can be things like matches, a child's birthday cake candle, assorted things that can be purchased at the looney store and perhaps one better than the others type of prize. It will all be the luck of the draw but your guests will have a good time hoping they are the one that gets that best prize.
Having a murder mystery game is another fun thing to do when there is a group of people. The host will explain the game and relate how and where the murder took place, i.e.: the victim was shot on a downtown street at 1:00 a.m. Then the host will have all guests close their eyes. The host will then tap the murderer once on the shoulder. The police inspector will be told ahead of time who he will be. All the other guests are suspects. The police inspector will question each of the suspects to determine who is the guilty person. Each suspect will have to try to allay any suspicions of the police inspector. The murderer can try to make someone else look guilty.
Try renting a karaoke machine and everyone can pretend they are their favorite singer.
If weather permits, take your guests out into your new backyard and play some games, i.e.: bocci ball, croquet, etc.
What better way to welcome friends to your home? And it's a great way to meet your new neighbors too. Plan your party and laugh with your guests.
Start the evening out by handing each of your guests, when they arrive, a number which will be used for picking a winner for the door prize. Then put the same numbers into a bowl or bucket and later in the evening have someone pick the winning number. The prize can be a serious gift or a gag gift. The prize can be decided upon based on your guest list. Are they the serious sort or do they like the goofy things in life?
Do your own version of Scrabble. Give each guest paper and pencils and using the word housewarming, have them write as many words as they can using only those letters. The one who completes the most correct words in the allotted time is the winner. Give a prize for perhaps the first and the second winners of the game.
On 8 1/2” x 11” pieces of paper, draw pictures of houses and number them and then place them haphazardly on the floor in one room. Put the corresponding numbers into a bowl or a bucket and play some music. When you stop the music, pick a number and whoever is standing on the picture with that number will win the musical houses game. This can be done several times but be sure to remove the numbered houses on the floor as each number has been used. Winners will receive prizes.
Another version of this could be a cake walk. Using the numbered houses and the music again, when a number is called, the person standing on the numbered house could be the winner of a cake. This gives you the opportunity to show off your expertise as a cake baker.
If you really want to go all out with the prizes, have a lucky dip. Place papers into a bowl or bucket that have prize items listed on each slip. As each guest draws out a paper, give them the prize that is written on the paper. Prizes can be silly or serious. They can be things like matches, a child's birthday cake candle, assorted things that can be purchased at the looney store and perhaps one better than the others type of prize. It will all be the luck of the draw but your guests will have a good time hoping they are the one that gets that best prize.
Having a murder mystery game is another fun thing to do when there is a group of people. The host will explain the game and relate how and where the murder took place, i.e.: the victim was shot on a downtown street at 1:00 a.m. Then the host will have all guests close their eyes. The host will then tap the murderer once on the shoulder. The police inspector will be told ahead of time who he will be. All the other guests are suspects. The police inspector will question each of the suspects to determine who is the guilty person. Each suspect will have to try to allay any suspicions of the police inspector. The murderer can try to make someone else look guilty.
Try renting a karaoke machine and everyone can pretend they are their favorite singer.
If weather permits, take your guests out into your new backyard and play some games, i.e.: bocci ball, croquet, etc.
What better way to welcome friends to your home? And it's a great way to meet your new neighbors too. Plan your party and laugh with your guests.
The Benefits of Honey
Honey, particularly if it is in its purest form, can help with many diseases. But even pasteurized honey can be used as a general health benefit. It is something that should be in everyone's diet.
Honey will not spoil or rot although often when it crystallizes, some think it is no longer good. By placing it in hot water, it will liquidize. Honey also will have no side effects. It has been discovered to reduce the cholesterol in the arteries and offers relief for those who have difficulty breathing while strengthening their heart. As people age, honey, especially if mixed with cinnamon, will help to revitalize and energize them.
Arthritis patients who have taken honey daily have discovered that their pain has been relieved and mobility restored. When used in a tea, it will assist with bladder infections too. Honey also helps those suffering from colds. It clears the sinuses and I discovered that daily use of honey has almost eliminated the numerous colds I used to be subject to each year.
A combination of honey and cinnamon powder also strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Regular use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles that fight bacteria.
Recent studies have shown that honey helps body strength. Studies indicate that senior citizens who use honey and cinnamon powder are more alert and flexible. If taken in the morning in hot water and again in the afternoon when energy decreases, will improve the body's vitality in about a week.
It has also been indicated that honey, and especially when taken in combination with cinnamon powder on a daily basis will increase general overall health as well as improving the condition of the skin.
In the last year that I have used honey on a daily basis, I've noticed the difference in my skin, my energy level and that I have managed to avoid having colds even though I spend a lot of time with children.
Honey will not spoil or rot although often when it crystallizes, some think it is no longer good. By placing it in hot water, it will liquidize. Honey also will have no side effects. It has been discovered to reduce the cholesterol in the arteries and offers relief for those who have difficulty breathing while strengthening their heart. As people age, honey, especially if mixed with cinnamon, will help to revitalize and energize them.
Arthritis patients who have taken honey daily have discovered that their pain has been relieved and mobility restored. When used in a tea, it will assist with bladder infections too. Honey also helps those suffering from colds. It clears the sinuses and I discovered that daily use of honey has almost eliminated the numerous colds I used to be subject to each year.
A combination of honey and cinnamon powder also strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Regular use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles that fight bacteria.
Recent studies have shown that honey helps body strength. Studies indicate that senior citizens who use honey and cinnamon powder are more alert and flexible. If taken in the morning in hot water and again in the afternoon when energy decreases, will improve the body's vitality in about a week.
It has also been indicated that honey, and especially when taken in combination with cinnamon powder on a daily basis will increase general overall health as well as improving the condition of the skin.
In the last year that I have used honey on a daily basis, I've noticed the difference in my skin, my energy level and that I have managed to avoid having colds even though I spend a lot of time with children.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Games to Play at Get-Togethers
There are many games to play at parties and get-togethers. Some are specifically oriented to couples but all are definitely guaranteed to be great at encouraging people to mingle within a group. This is especially true if some are strangers to each other. I have used several of the the following games at my own parties and everyone always enjoys them.
- Write the names of famous couples and when guests arrive, attach one name to the back of each person. Each guest can ask other guests yes or no questions in an attempt to guess the name of the person on their back.
- Each person writes down ten things that their partner particularly loves, would like to do, or hates and then have the opposite partner say whether the list is correct or not. The couple with the most matches wins.
- When guests arrive, each person is given a name tag and each guest can ask others questions, hoping for a no answer. If they get a no answer, they can take their name tag. The one who ends the evening with the most name tags wins.
- Limbo is always a good game. Two people hold a pole and guests try to go under it by bending backwards. After each guest has gone under the pole, it can continue to be lowered until there is only one person remaining who is still able to go under the pole.
- A hula hoop competition is another fun game. Who of your guests can do it the longest?
- Each guest gets a turn to think of the name of a famous person while other guests ask questions that will only have yes or no answers as they try to guess who the famous person might be.
- Make up a list of scruple-type questions to ask your guests. It quickly becomes clear what each person's beliefs are. Some examples are: a) Would you let your teenage daughter's boyfriend sleep overnight in her room? b) Would you smoke pot with your teenager? c) Would you lie to your best friend? d) Would you pretend to be sick so you could take the day off from work? e) If you were given too much change by a cashier, would you give it back? f) Do you blame other people for your mistakes? g) Would you offer to help someone move even if they hadn't asked you to assist them? h) Would you drink and drive?
- Blindfold each of the men in the group and have them touch each of the women guest's hands until they have been able to identify the hands of their partner. Another variety of the same game would be to have each man identify his partner's legs, if only the legs can be seen, i.e.: the women hide behind a curtain with only their legs visible.
- Interactive Wii is always fun too.
- There are several word board games available too. We have one we play often and it is always good entertainment.
I have used several of these games at get-togethers. Most of them encourage people to interact and they make laughter a large part of the evening. Try some of the games at your next get-together and I know you'll have fun.
- Write the names of famous couples and when guests arrive, attach one name to the back of each person. Each guest can ask other guests yes or no questions in an attempt to guess the name of the person on their back.
- Each person writes down ten things that their partner particularly loves, would like to do, or hates and then have the opposite partner say whether the list is correct or not. The couple with the most matches wins.
- When guests arrive, each person is given a name tag and each guest can ask others questions, hoping for a no answer. If they get a no answer, they can take their name tag. The one who ends the evening with the most name tags wins.
- Limbo is always a good game. Two people hold a pole and guests try to go under it by bending backwards. After each guest has gone under the pole, it can continue to be lowered until there is only one person remaining who is still able to go under the pole.
- A hula hoop competition is another fun game. Who of your guests can do it the longest?
- Each guest gets a turn to think of the name of a famous person while other guests ask questions that will only have yes or no answers as they try to guess who the famous person might be.
- Make up a list of scruple-type questions to ask your guests. It quickly becomes clear what each person's beliefs are. Some examples are: a) Would you let your teenage daughter's boyfriend sleep overnight in her room? b) Would you smoke pot with your teenager? c) Would you lie to your best friend? d) Would you pretend to be sick so you could take the day off from work? e) If you were given too much change by a cashier, would you give it back? f) Do you blame other people for your mistakes? g) Would you offer to help someone move even if they hadn't asked you to assist them? h) Would you drink and drive?
- Blindfold each of the men in the group and have them touch each of the women guest's hands until they have been able to identify the hands of their partner. Another variety of the same game would be to have each man identify his partner's legs, if only the legs can be seen, i.e.: the women hide behind a curtain with only their legs visible.
- Interactive Wii is always fun too.
- There are several word board games available too. We have one we play often and it is always good entertainment.
I have used several of these games at get-togethers. Most of them encourage people to interact and they make laughter a large part of the evening. Try some of the games at your next get-together and I know you'll have fun.
Family Fun With Games
Playing games together is not only fun but it is a good means for families to create a tight bond and establish long lasting memories. Having a family game night encourages communication while having fun.
When having a family game night, plan a special dinner beforehand and possibly pick a different family member's favorite recipe each time. And while games are being played, provide finger-food treats such as suitable appetizers, chips, dip and nibblers.
Also, when planning a game night with family, it will be important to pick games appropriate to the age of any children that may be attending. If there is a big range in ages, it is a good idea to play games that young children will be interested in and then play games that are suitable for those who are older after the younger ones are in bed.
Some of the games that young children enjoy are memory card games, matching card games, board games that encourage early math learning in a fun way, as well as early reading cards that are in a game format. Another game children like is Statues. Play some music suitable for children and periodically stop it, having children freeze and become statues when the music stops.
For older children, and the adults in the family, there are such games as Sorry, Operation, Pictionary, Concentration, Go Fish and Balderdash. The game of Balderdash is a particular favorite for my family and we always enjoy a lot of laughs when we play it.
For those who want to get up and be active, there is Twister, Charades and Wii interaction games. And for those who want to test their brain skills, include such games as Trivial Pursuit, Scrabble, Clue, Jenga, Scattegories, Yahtzee, Uno and Rummoli. There are a lot of card games also that are a lot of fun such as Hearts. Hearts is another one of our favorite games to play as a family.
When the weather is nice, there are outdoor games that can be played together as a family which can include even the young children. These can be ones such as Bocci Ball, Croquet and Badminton. Another idea is to get a game of scrub baseball together if your family is large enough or organize your own sports day and have challenging racing competitions. Some of these races could include carrying an egg on a spoon, the three-legged race, hopping with a ball between your knees or relays, if you have a large family group.
Having family game nights encourages family communication and closeness that will increase as the children grow older. Most of our game nights follow dinners for birthdays or in the evening on New Years Day. Another popular time for us to play family games is when we have our annual family vacations which usually includes several family groups within the family. The children in the family look forward to our game nights.
When having a family game night, plan a special dinner beforehand and possibly pick a different family member's favorite recipe each time. And while games are being played, provide finger-food treats such as suitable appetizers, chips, dip and nibblers.
Also, when planning a game night with family, it will be important to pick games appropriate to the age of any children that may be attending. If there is a big range in ages, it is a good idea to play games that young children will be interested in and then play games that are suitable for those who are older after the younger ones are in bed.
Some of the games that young children enjoy are memory card games, matching card games, board games that encourage early math learning in a fun way, as well as early reading cards that are in a game format. Another game children like is Statues. Play some music suitable for children and periodically stop it, having children freeze and become statues when the music stops.
For older children, and the adults in the family, there are such games as Sorry, Operation, Pictionary, Concentration, Go Fish and Balderdash. The game of Balderdash is a particular favorite for my family and we always enjoy a lot of laughs when we play it.
For those who want to get up and be active, there is Twister, Charades and Wii interaction games. And for those who want to test their brain skills, include such games as Trivial Pursuit, Scrabble, Clue, Jenga, Scattegories, Yahtzee, Uno and Rummoli. There are a lot of card games also that are a lot of fun such as Hearts. Hearts is another one of our favorite games to play as a family.
When the weather is nice, there are outdoor games that can be played together as a family which can include even the young children. These can be ones such as Bocci Ball, Croquet and Badminton. Another idea is to get a game of scrub baseball together if your family is large enough or organize your own sports day and have challenging racing competitions. Some of these races could include carrying an egg on a spoon, the three-legged race, hopping with a ball between your knees or relays, if you have a large family group.
Having family game nights encourages family communication and closeness that will increase as the children grow older. Most of our game nights follow dinners for birthdays or in the evening on New Years Day. Another popular time for us to play family games is when we have our annual family vacations which usually includes several family groups within the family. The children in the family look forward to our game nights.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
How Reading to a Young Child Helps Development
A child's learning potential can be enhanced by making books a large part of their life. By introducing books to children at a young age, it increases their aptitude for learning as well as having many other benefits.
Studies have shown that children who have been read to early in their lives will do better in their formal education than those children who have not had this advantage. It also assists young children with their basic speaking skills and vocabulary. They learn skills that assist them in being able to communicate better at an earlier age than their counterparts.
Children who have been read to at an early age are also better able to grasp abstract concepts, apply logic to situations in their lives and recognize cause and affect. It helps them also to be able to adapt to new experiences in their lives. By sitting and reading, they also learn self-discipline and the ability to be able to concentrate. It helps children with their attention span and expands their memories. It also builds listening skills and fuels their imagination. Children also learn about other people through reading.
I have witnessed all of this with my two and a half year old granddaughter. Her parents began reading to her and showing her words with accompanying pictures when she was barely six months old. She is now able to read many of her books herself. This has created an interest for her in other things that she is able to do well above her age such as being able to count up to forty. Being read to at an early age creates a love of reading and learning in children. A study done recently indicated that children who were read to at a very young age increased their vocabulary by forty percent over those who were not.
It is also an ideal opportunity for children and parents to spend time together, to bond and to have fun. This has definitely been the case for my son and daughter-in-law. When children have the intimacy of having their parents read to them, it encourages a positive attitude towards reading. And it calms small children because it is a peaceful, quiet time. For this reason, reading before bedtime is particularly good.
It is important to choose books that are appropriate to the child's age. One of the benefits of books are that they can be used to prepare children for changes in their lives, i.e.: potty training, going to kindergarten, and issues relating to playing with other children.
With the many benefits of making books a large part of your young child's life, they also open up the doors to conversations you can have with your child on many topics. The result will be not only a child who has an interest in reading but one with a close bond to his/her parents.
Studies have shown that children who have been read to early in their lives will do better in their formal education than those children who have not had this advantage. It also assists young children with their basic speaking skills and vocabulary. They learn skills that assist them in being able to communicate better at an earlier age than their counterparts.
Children who have been read to at an early age are also better able to grasp abstract concepts, apply logic to situations in their lives and recognize cause and affect. It helps them also to be able to adapt to new experiences in their lives. By sitting and reading, they also learn self-discipline and the ability to be able to concentrate. It helps children with their attention span and expands their memories. It also builds listening skills and fuels their imagination. Children also learn about other people through reading.
I have witnessed all of this with my two and a half year old granddaughter. Her parents began reading to her and showing her words with accompanying pictures when she was barely six months old. She is now able to read many of her books herself. This has created an interest for her in other things that she is able to do well above her age such as being able to count up to forty. Being read to at an early age creates a love of reading and learning in children. A study done recently indicated that children who were read to at a very young age increased their vocabulary by forty percent over those who were not.
It is also an ideal opportunity for children and parents to spend time together, to bond and to have fun. This has definitely been the case for my son and daughter-in-law. When children have the intimacy of having their parents read to them, it encourages a positive attitude towards reading. And it calms small children because it is a peaceful, quiet time. For this reason, reading before bedtime is particularly good.
It is important to choose books that are appropriate to the child's age. One of the benefits of books are that they can be used to prepare children for changes in their lives, i.e.: potty training, going to kindergarten, and issues relating to playing with other children.
With the many benefits of making books a large part of your young child's life, they also open up the doors to conversations you can have with your child on many topics. The result will be not only a child who has an interest in reading but one with a close bond to his/her parents.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
How to Appreciate the Simple Pleasures of Life
Spring brings to mind simple pleasures. There are the first buds of spring shimmering with iridescent color on the trees, cherry blossoms like masses of cotton candy and colorful blooms showing their faces above the earth. With simple pleasures such as these, it brings to mind the many other pleasures in life we may fail to appreciate.
As we go through life, we sometimes tend to focus on the negatives and on what isn't going well instead of looking at what we have to be grateful for in our lives. For those who see their cup as half empty, the following is a list of things to appreciate that those whose cup is half full see, feel and hear everyday:
- seeing your child or grandchild's smile or hearing their happy giggles;
- receiving a smile from a passing stranger;
- feeling a small hand being placed trustingly in yours;
- having your child or grandchild cuddle beside you while you watch a movie together;
- having coffee with a friend and enjoying a chat together;
- taking a walk through a park and listening to the happy singing of the birds as they flutter from tree to tree;
- listening to the bubbling sounds of a creek;
- watching waves wash up onto the shore;
- listening to the happy sounds of children when you walk past a playground;
- being able to get up out of bed each morning;
- viewing buttercups in a field of grass;
- looking up to see the blue sky and the sun shining brightly;
- being warm, snug inside, when it is cold outside;
- building a snowman with your children or your best friend;
- having a loving arm around your shoulders;
- receiving a phone call from a friend or a loved one that you haven't heard from for a while;
- watching a squirrel gather nuts;
- building a sandcastle with your children;
- smelling the flowers;
- reading a good book;
- having a good hair day;
- listening to a song that brings back special memories;
- hearing a gentle summer breeze rustle the leaves of a tree;
- spending time with your family;
- new fallen snow before footprints mar its surface;
- climbing into bed when you've just put on fresh, clean sheets;
- sleeping in on a Sunday morning;
- taking a long, relaxing bubble bath;
- walking on the beach, even alone, and enjoying the tranquility of feeling you get from the sounds of the ocean;
- going on a picnic with someone you love;
- lying on the grass and watching the stars, like sparkling jewels, scattered on a velvet sky;
- walking on the beach, holding hands, with someone special.
All of these simple pleasures are free, or relatively so. They can be available to everyone. We only have to be aware of what surrounds us to see, feel or hear most of them.
As we go through life, we sometimes tend to focus on the negatives and on what isn't going well instead of looking at what we have to be grateful for in our lives. For those who see their cup as half empty, the following is a list of things to appreciate that those whose cup is half full see, feel and hear everyday:
- seeing your child or grandchild's smile or hearing their happy giggles;
- receiving a smile from a passing stranger;
- feeling a small hand being placed trustingly in yours;
- having your child or grandchild cuddle beside you while you watch a movie together;
- having coffee with a friend and enjoying a chat together;
- taking a walk through a park and listening to the happy singing of the birds as they flutter from tree to tree;
- listening to the bubbling sounds of a creek;
- watching waves wash up onto the shore;
- listening to the happy sounds of children when you walk past a playground;
- being able to get up out of bed each morning;
- viewing buttercups in a field of grass;
- looking up to see the blue sky and the sun shining brightly;
- being warm, snug inside, when it is cold outside;
- building a snowman with your children or your best friend;
- having a loving arm around your shoulders;
- receiving a phone call from a friend or a loved one that you haven't heard from for a while;
- watching a squirrel gather nuts;
- building a sandcastle with your children;
- smelling the flowers;
- reading a good book;
- having a good hair day;
- listening to a song that brings back special memories;
- hearing a gentle summer breeze rustle the leaves of a tree;
- spending time with your family;
- new fallen snow before footprints mar its surface;
- climbing into bed when you've just put on fresh, clean sheets;
- sleeping in on a Sunday morning;
- taking a long, relaxing bubble bath;
- walking on the beach, even alone, and enjoying the tranquility of feeling you get from the sounds of the ocean;
- going on a picnic with someone you love;
- lying on the grass and watching the stars, like sparkling jewels, scattered on a velvet sky;
- walking on the beach, holding hands, with someone special.
All of these simple pleasures are free, or relatively so. They can be available to everyone. We only have to be aware of what surrounds us to see, feel or hear most of them.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Picnics and Romance
Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall
Anytime will do at all!
‘Picnics and Romance’ should put you in the mood for romance. It will also give you some ideas of where to go to enjoy solitude and the beauty of nature in our beautiful Lower Mainland.
I have included many wonderful, romantic and beautiful picnic spots where you can enjoy not only a romantic picnic but also walks, hikes, lakes and special spots that will soon become your own favourite areas where you can have a private picnic for two.
Included also are Appetizers, Salads, Entrees and Dessert Recipes for your romantic picnics that will be delicious no matter what time of year it is. A picnic is great whether there are new buds of Spring on the trees, a Summer’s sun shining warmly on your back, the colours turning to the yellows and golds of Fall or the Winter magic of snow on the ground.
What is needed for a Romantic Picnic?
- A sturdy, good-sized picnic basket and/or cooler
- Dishes and silverware
- Cups and wine glasses
- Napkins and tablecloth
- Candle and container (the container is necessary for protection against any breeze), and a lighter
- Food and refreshments (wine or champagne?)
- Blanket
- Vase and flowers (optional)
- A camera (to record your romantic picnic)
* * * * * * * *
Winter
Winter has a nice quiet beauty,
Of garden work, there is no duty.
A picnic in the white outdoors,
Or a picnic by a fire that roars.
Either one I’ll choose to do,
As long as it is me and you.
Spring
Spring is here, the world is green,
Blue skies and flowers can be seen.
We’ll go for a walk and smell the fresh earth,
The sun is shining, there’s been a rebirth.
We breathe in deeply of the sweet air,
And stride off briskly without a care.
Summer
A picnic, a hike and moss-covered trees,
We’ll sit by the ocean and feel the cool breeze.
Stand by a creek and watch the water rush by,
Feel our hearts soar when we see birds in the sky.
We’ll hear crickets and frogs on a warm summer night,
And walk in the woods with no others in sight.
Fall
So many things to do and see,
A mountain view, come share with me.
Fish to catch in a crystal clear lake,
With much to do, there are memories to make.
Orange, yellow and brown, the colours of Fall,
Let’s picnic together and forsake the mall.
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Romantic Romps
The Lower Mainland
Barnston Island
A few nice spots where we can eat,
With grass and view; it can’t be beat.
To a time long past is where we went,
This place of serenity was heaven-sent.
Peering between scattered trees, we watched log booms slowly drift by on the Fraser River. From an island that is predominantly farm land we were able to watch industry and commerce as tugs and ships of various sizes traveled the river.
The picnic spot where we had chosen to lunch gave us a good view of the river and of Surrey beyond, appearing to be undeveloped from where we stood. We knew this was not the case because we had just taken the barge/tug across from that thriving city.
On Barnston Island sheep and horses graze in lush green pastures and snow peaked mountains are a backdrop to this comforting and welcoming scene. Dogs barked lazily in the distance and a cat meandered across the road to welcome us. Plump ripe blackberries grew abundantly beside the road ready for the picking. Native islanders waved a passing greeting to us as we walked the road beside their farms, and children smiled without fear or curiosity.
On Barnston Island one takes a step back in time. Farming is a way of life existing in few other places. Part of the quaint charm, the laid-back feeling and the excitement of a visit to this small island seems to come with the barge/tug mode of travel.
The barge/tug crossing can be reached by going east on Highway 1, exiting at 176th Street and traveling north to 104th Avenue and then right a very short distance to the ‘ferry’. There is a parking lot where you can leave your car (or take it across on the ferry if you wish). From there it is a five minute trip across Parson’s Channel.
If you turn left after disembarking, you will pass farmyards with areas where the beach can be reached. One area we explored was sandy with a nice area for a picnic. Beside this grassy and sandy area was a large area of clay. We took off our shoes and let the soft clay squish between our toes while we explored the area. I’ll admit this is not for everyone but it gave us a sense of freedom, of throwing off restrictions. There is also another area further along with a couple of picnic tables that was private. Trees provided us with shade from the sun and we had a beautiful view of the river.
If you turn right after you get off the ferry, you will see a wild swampy area and then sweeping farmland. If you arrive at low tide, you will be able to walk along the beach and savour the beauty of the Fraser River.
As you circle the island, you will enjoy the splendor of the North Shore Mountains and Mount Baker. The round trip of the island is approximately 9.5 km.
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Bedwell Bay – Belcarra Park
Another picnic you can share with me,
At a little cove down by the sea.
We can go on a hike along the shore,
Then find another trail and hike some more.
Lots to see and lots to do and some lovely spots to picnic too! Belcarra Park is on the Burrard Inlet and can be reached by turning off Barnet onto Ioco Road. If you park in Belcarra’s main parking lot near the concession stand, you will be near the beginning of the trail that will take you to Burns Point. If you’re feeling very energetic, there is a hike you can take to Jug Island. The views are delightful and a lot of the walk is under cover of trees so even on a hot summer day, the walk can be very pleasant.
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Bowen Island
Another great picnic for you and me,
With a lake on the island for us to see.
We’ll search and look for a sandy spot,
To eat our lunch before the sun gets hot.
Perhaps for a stroll on the beach we’ll go,
Or rent a boat and go for a row.
The most difficult part of this enjoyable jaunt will be finding a parking spot at Horseshoe Bay. The best advice is to leave early enough in the day to avoid this problem, (or take your car and explore the rest of the island). On Bowen Island, we followed the road a very short distance from the ferry terminal and took a path to the lake. Because we were early, we followed the trail around the lake and then found a secluded area for our picnic.
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Campbell Valley Park
There's lots to see at this park of old,
With many stories to be told,
A farmstead and schoolhouse to explore,
Let’s come again, I do implore.
The wind’s at our back, our faces to the sun,
I can’t believe we’ve had so much fun.
This park seems to have it all: trees, a marsh, rolling countryside, a ravine, a river, a scenic meadow and lots of trails. The main parking area is off 8th Avenue and 204th Street in Langley. The round trip trail is 14 km (8.7 miles) and it’s suggested that four
hours be allowed for the trip. The trails are good all year. There are many picnic spots available in this park and many trips will be needed to find them all.
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Cates Park
We'll gaze at the ocean as the sailboats go by,
Hear the cry of the seagulls as they fly in the sky.
We’ll search for treasures walking hand-in-hand,
And leave our footprints in the wet sand.
A private picnic with history as a background! If that’s what you’re in the mood for, drive to Cates Park on Dollarton Highway. Grab your picnic basket and blanket and look for the entrance to the Michael Lowry Walk.
As you meander along the path, under a canopy of leaves, you can stop at several spots as benches have been placed along the way. The view is spectacular.
On the path you will see a sign telling you the story of Michael Lowry, author, born in 1909. He won the Governor General’s Award for fiction, writing “Under the Volcano”, “White Fire of the Mist”, and “Wild Ducks Doing Sixty Downwind”. He lived in a squatter’s shack with his wife Margerie, between 1940 and 1954, and died in 1957.
This area is adjacent to the Cedarside and Dollar Mills which were founded in 1916, when Captain Robert Dollar, from San Francisco, purchased one hundred acres on the Burrard Inlet. He built a sawmill with loading docks and changed the name from Roche Point to Dollarton. Until 1918, the only access was by boat.
Port Moody supplied lumber to the mill, all of which was destined for China, South Africa, England and India. At that time, it was a thriving community with a Post Office, a store, the Roche Point School, a community hall which doubled as a church, homes for key employees and bunkhouses for the men who worked in the mills. It operated until December 23, 1942 when it was sold for timber rights to the North West Logging Company. They closed the mill and sold off the machinery at that time.
The Vancouver Cedar Lumber Mill known as Cedarside adjacent to Dollar Mill operated until 1929 when the depression forced its closure. The concrete structure remaining on the property is the burner base from the Cedarside Mills. This structure is picturesque with four tunnels going into the centre which is now filled with grass and other vegetation. It is surrounded by trees with the ocean as its backdrop.
Walking past this structure, you will find a private, sandy beach with huge logs and overhanging trees. It is a perfect spot for a picnic. On the day we were there, we saw eighteen sailboats with brightly coloured sails pass us by.
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Crescent Beach
This is one of the best places to be,
With a walk through trails and boats to see;
Tranquility of surf anytime of the year,
We'll picnic here and feel full of cheer.
A Story Untold of Long Ago
Rotting pilings, covered with a growth of barnacles stand where an Oyster company stood in the early 1900’s – a thriving business that once employed 100 people on the shores of Crescent Beach. The warehouse and the bunkhouse are long since gone, only the pilings remain as a harsh reminder of what the small village of Crescent Beach once was. When the pilings rot and wear away, there will no longer be any reminders of the hustle and bustle of those early days. It will be a time forgotten by some and never known by many. Some of these pilings already lie in the sand, their only use a stop-off for the birds who occasionally sit atop them.
Some may look at these rotting pilings and see only something old with no purpose while others may see the beauty of something that has endured the ins and outs of tides, the winds and the growth of barnacles. What was once a smooth log with no story to tell now possesses character and beauty with a story to tell if we only but knew it.
Crescent Beach is on the east side of Boundary Bay and can be reached by taking the White Rock/Crescent Beach Exit off High 99 and then turning onto Crescent Road. At the end of Crescent Road there are several areas available for parking.
The tidal marshes abound with waterfowl. After walking along the beach area, you can walk through trails in the Blackie Spit area to a quiet corner of the beach. In this area you
can avoid the usual crowds of people during the hot summer and enjoy your romantic picnic for two.
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Derby Reach
Spirits soaring, our hearts are light,
Another picnic, the river’s in sight.
The fog has gone, the dew drops cling,
The sun is shining, can you hear my heart sing?
Our hearts soared as the fogs dispersed and sunbeams gradually filtered through the trees on our visit to Derby Reach one beautiful Fall day. Drops of moisture clung to the leaves, sparkling like twinkling stars as the sun crept further into the forest. The birds came alive, twittering with answering calls from nearby trees. Squirrels ran along the trail near our feet as we strolled and breathed in the fresh air and watched the sun as it rose higher into the sky.
Derby Reach is situated in Fort Langley and can be reached by traveling east along Highway No. 1, take 200th street exit, go north to Wilson Townline Road and go east for 1.5 km to McAdam Road, then north 2 km. to Allard Crescent, and east 3 km to the park entrance. There is a covered public picnic area near parking lot but follow trails to some of the nice spots looking out over the Fraser River.
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Kanaka Creek
Leave the hustle and bustle and come with me,
We’ll find a creek, not a soul shall we see.
High over our heads is a canopy of leaves,
Our picnic spot is surrounded by trees.
The water is rushing over slippery rocks,
And high in the trees there are two hawks.
Nature surrounds us, the sky is blue,
We’ll have a romantic picnic for two.
Are seclusion and tranquility what you yearn for? There are various areas along Kanaka Creek where you could enjoy a picnic. One is Twin Falls at Webster’s Corners in Maple Ridge on the Dewdney Trunk Road. This area, although lovely, is also popular so we decided to picnic in an area that is more off the beaten track. By following Dewdney Trunk Road and turning right on 272nd, we followed the twisty country road until we came to Ferguson Avenue and turned right again. You will have to park at the end of this road and take the short walk down a slight grade, along a narrow, gravel path to Kanaka Creek. You will almost be guaranteed of finding a private picnic spot.
Each Spring the landscape changes so there are always different areas to picnic depending on the winter run-off. You will be able to find small ponds where city-stressed picnickers can enjoy the tranquility of water rushing over rocks, hear the gentle breeze whispering through the leaves in the overhead trees and listen to the music of the various birds. It takes no time for these sounds of nature to lift your spirits. Occasionally you may hear the friendly neigh of a horse in the distance. Nature will wrap its welcoming arms around you and when it’s time to return home, you will not want to leave.
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Rocky Point Park
Please come on a picnic with me,
And explore the ruins beside the sea;
We'll follow the shore through a path in the trees,
And hear the leaves whisper in the sea breeze.
We’ll share a glass of wine or two,
And enjoy our picnic beneath a sky of blue.
Away from the middling crowd? If that’s your goal, make a visit to Rocky Point Park in Port Moody. Drive to the east end of the parking lot where you will see the beginning of the trail. You will work up an appetite for your picnic by following the shoreline trail from Rocky Point Park to Old Orchard Park at the far end. The round trip is 5 km (3.1 miles) of easy, scenic walking.
You will traverse footbridges and boardwalks through marshy areas and pass the wrecked hull of a long abandoned boat. Old Orchard Park, at the end of the trail, has all the amenities you will need of washroom facilities, picnic tables and sandy beaches. But if what you seek is tranquility and solitude, head back and turn right on the footpath directly past the large sign listing areas of protection for the local bird population.
This path will take you to the water and if you’ve timed it right, the tide will be in. You will see picturesque remnants of Stanley’s brickyard of years gone by as well as the remains of an old cedar mill.
The remains reminded us of a ruined castle, its crumbling bricks overgrown with nature’s vegetation. There are several private spots in this area you can choose from for your picnic. We found a spot off the path on a small bluff overlooking the water with the ruins behind us. We were surrounded with the natural fauna of the area and the birds were our only companions.
It was a perfect spot for a romantic picnic. We had privacy, a view, a bottle of wine and excellent food. After our leisurely picnic, we explored the barnacle covered ruins and tried to imagine what they looked like before our modern civilization intruded onto its doorstep.
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Rice Lake
There’s a quiet, small lake that I know of dear.
We can enjoy ourselves while we picnic here.
The water is warm and the grass is green,
There’s hawks and many a bird to be seen.
Tranquil and Serene
Almost entirely surrounded with mountains and different varieties of trees, the lake, upon reaching it after following the trail from Lynn Canyon, is like seeing a mirage in the desert. The forest and sky reflect their beauty in the mirror-like surface of Rice Lake and one does not expect to see so much beauty at the end of the curving uphill hike. The silence was a roar in our ears interspersed with the intermittent splash of fish jumping out of the water, rarely seen except for the rippling effect on the surface of the otherwise smooth lake.
There looked to be secret little coves hidden at various places on the distant shoreline. A kayak to explore would have been wonderful, I thought except it would have spoiled the serene beauty of the peaceful waters. It is a place to relax, to dream, to picnic and to forget there’s a world beyond this quiet corner of nature.
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Stanley Park
A perfect spot with a view that’s great,
Let’s grab a rod and get some bait.
We’ll fish and kiss and eat some lunch,
And head home late to avoid the crunch.
Stanley Park, in the downtown area of Vancouver offers much for both Vancouverites and suburbanites and can more than fill a whole day of enjoyment. Here again, the secret is to get there early in order to be able to obtain a parking spot. Grab your picnic basket and explore because you don’t know where you may find that absolutely perfect picnic spot.
But watch out for the seagulls! They will swoop down beside you and steal food off your plate. But don’t encourage them by giving them scraps if you don’t want an uninvited guest at your romantic picnic.
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Weaver Lake
O’r hill and vale, we’ll take a hike,
Through meadows and forests, you will like.
Colour surrounds us, the sky is blue,
Leaves overhead and birds flying too.
We had a great day that was filled with fun,
From early morn ‘til long after the sun.
Breathe deeply and enjoy the crisp, fresh air when you enter this wooded, hilly area near Harrison Hot Springs. Turn north off Highway 7 at the Sasquash Inn onto the Hemlock Valley Road. At the fork stay right and travel 9.5 km before turning left to reach Weaver Lake. The trek is well worth your while.
If you decide to follow the trail around the lake, the distance is approximately 6.5 km and will require about three hours if you meander, as we did. You will enjoy the various types of natural growth surrounding the lake, the view, the silence and the solitude. We met no one else on our hike.
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Whytecliff Park
While we climb on the rocks and smell the fresh air,
The wind may blow but we haven’t a care.
A squeeze of your hand and a wink of your eye,
I’m so happy my dear, I feel I could fly.
Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver can be reached by traveling west on the Upper Levels Highway and taking the Squamish route at Horseshoe Bay. Turn left and cross the overpass, through the stop sign, right onto Hycroft Road and then left uphill to the parking lot.
You will enjoy fabulous views of Howe Sound, Bowen Island, Point Grey and Black Mountain. If you walk over the causeway to Whyte Island and follow a trail through the trees, you’ll find your very own private picnic spot.
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Whonock Lake
A lake that is near and not very far,
An enjoyable drive then we'll unload the car,
Spring, Fall and Winter are the best times to go,
It'll be quiet on the lake when we go for a row.
Whonock Lake, at most times, with the exception of the heat of summer, is quiet. The water is warm and calm and great for kayaking and canoeing. The beaches are sandy and there are trees for shade. There are also a number of picnic tables available.
The lake can be reached from Lougheed Highway #7, turn left onto 272nd Street until you reach 112th Avenue, turn east and follow signage to Whonock Lake Centre and proceed to parking lot among the trees.
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Winter on the Fraser River
A winter’s picnic will be truly fun,
With heavy clothes we don't need the sun,
Hot mulled wine made for two,
A perfect spot I’ll find for you.
The crisp air makes the view of the distant mountains stand out in sharp contrast to the sky, not fuzzy and blurry as they sometimes are on a warm summer day. Everything on this cold winter day is crisp – the barren trees stripped of their leaves, the water smooth like a mirror with clouds, like icing on a cake, illuminated on its surface. The colours are vibrant like an untouched palette. No passing ship has churned the waters; the air is still.
Only our warm breath sending puffs of smoke spoils the scene before us but not before we have absorbed the beauty of it into our memories so that when the river becomes muddy brown in the springtime we can remember this winter scene and our romantic picnic.
There are many places to go,
To watch the river’s tidal flow.
There are many places along the Fraser River where a picnic can be enjoyed whether it is winter or summer. Some of those places are Derby Reach in Fort Langley, Deas Island Park in Delta as well as many other spots along River Road in Delta where the river is accessible. One such spot is underneath the Alex Fraser Bridge.
Standing beneath this high traffic bridge, we see not the hustle and bustle of people rushing, frayed tempers or scowling faces. The rumble overhead is faint while we watch this majestic river complete its journey to the ocean. Logs float downstream with seagulls perched on top, bouncing with the fast-moving current. At high tide they will float back upstream.
On the Delta side, there are grassy areas and low growing greenery offering a nice place to picnic and trails to walk. When we look to the left, we see the river widen before it begins its fall over the horizon. To the right, we can see wharfs and industry before the river disappears from view. In this small section of the river, there is much history; a fishing community sits on its banks.
And on the opposite side of the river, on Annacis Island, there are many other beautiful picnic spots to explore and enjoy. Fishing is usually good near the base of the pillars of the bridge on the Annacis Island side of the river.
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Picnics and Sunsets
As we watch the sun set over the sea,
We’ll marvel aloud at the beauty we see.
British Columbia’s Beauty
Lightning Lake
(Manning Park)
Another nice lake but a little bit colder,
The scenery is rugged, a whole lot bolder.
Let’s heat up the barbeque for our lunch,
We have steak and potatoes and a salad with crunch.
Lightning Lake in the Manning Park area has many picnic areas and hiking and walking trails. There are picnic tables at the lake near the parking area but also many nice spots along the trails.
The Park is a pleasant drive from the Vancouver area about midway on the highway between Hope and Princeton.
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Smugglers Cove
Let’s rest ourselves on this tranquil shore,
We can sit awhile and then explore.
This mystery cove of which much can be told,
About pirates and prisoners held down in the hold.
There’s tranquility in the calm blue waters mirroring clouds that drift like disappearing smoke. The water softly creeps into nooks and crannies, its only sound the swish of ripples lapping at pebbles on the beach. An eagle in a distant tree watches for his next dinner while birds flutter nearby, their voices raised in cheerful song. The breeze, warm on my already sun-bronzed skin, tickles my face like the gentle stroke of an ostrich feather. It is a place so tranquil that my chest constricts with the beauty of it.
But there is mystery also behind every outcropping of rocks that rise from the waters protecting what can’t be seen. Clusters of small islands huddle like stepping stones near the edge of the distant shore. What is nature hiding? What has it hidden before human eyes discovered its tranquility and beauty? What is the mystery of Smuggler’s Cove?
Smuggler’s Cove is on the Sunshine Coast and can be reached by driving 16 km north of Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast Highway (101), turn west on Brooks Road and follow the park signs 5 km to the parking area.
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Marvelous Menus
What shall we take on our picnic you say?
So many good things; we’ll want to stay.
Appetizers
Sesame Seed Spread
1 cup cottage cheese 1/3 cup toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon chopped parsley 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Grated fresh horseradish (to taste) 2 tablespoons finely diced green pepper
2 tablespoons finely diced red pepper Salt to taste
Whole wheat crackers
Combine all ingredients, mixing well. Refrigerate. Serve with crackers.
Chick Pea Dip
1 4 ounce can drained chick peas 3 tablespoons sesame paste
½ cup lemon juice 1 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves, finely shopped Prepared raw vegetables, as dippers
Chunks of pita bread as dippers
Combine all ingredients in a blender until a thick, coarse paste. Serve with dippers.
Garden Dip
2/3 cup low fat cottage cheese 1 tablespoon finely grated onion
1 tablespoon finely grated carrot 1 teaspoon finely chopped green pepper
½ teaspoon salt/dash of garlic salt 1 cup plain yogurt
Cream cottage cheese with a fork. Add onion, carrot, pepper, salt and garlic salt. Beat until fairly smooth. Stir in yogurt. Cover and chill. Serve with crackers, chips or raw vegetables.
Tasty Ham
2 tablespoons finely chopped green pepper 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery
2 tablespoons finely chopped pimento ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons lemon juice 2 teaspoons olive oil
Salt/pepper 4 slices of cooked ham
Mix green pepper, celery and pimento together. Mix together lemon juice and oil; add salt and pepper to taste and pour over the vegetable mixture. Divide equally between the 4 ham slices and roll. Secure with toothpicks.
Biscuit Snacks
1 cup dry curd cottage cheese 2 tablespoons parsley flakes
1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons chopped pimento
Combine all ingredients and spread on English muffins.
Stuffed Pepper Slices
1 red and 1 green pepper 8 ounces low-fat cottage cheese
2 tablespoons skim milk 1 tablespoon chopped pimento
1 tablespoon chopped chives 1 tablespoon chopped watercress
¼ teaspoon salt/ 1/8 teaspoon white pepper 1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon unflavoured gelatin 1/3 cup cold water
Lettuce
Cream cottage cheese in blender (thin with milk, if necessary). Add pimento, parsley, watercress, chives, salt, pepper and lemon juice. Soak gelatin in cold water and dissolve completely. Add to the cheese mixture. Fill washed, seedless red and green peppers and chill for at least two hours. Cut each pepper into 4 thick slices and serve on lettuce leaves.
Mexican-Style Eggs
8 hard-cooked eggs, chilled 1 tablespoon grated onion
1 tablespoon finely minced green pepper ¼ teaspoon chilli powder
¼ teaspoon salt 2 – 3 dashes hot sauce
2 teaspoons lemon juice 1 tablespoons oliver oil
16 small shrimp, cooked and peeled Parsley
Cut eggs in half lengthwise and remove yolks. Mash yolks with onion, pepper, chilli powder, salt, hot sauce, lemon juice and oil. Fill eggs with yolk mixture and serve with shrimp. Serve cold.
Surprise Spread
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1/4 pound cream cheese
1/8 milk
1/4 cup chopped walnuts 1/4 cup sultana raisins
1/8 cup chopped dates 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
In blender, mix Cheddar cheese, cream cheese and milk, until smooth. Add walnuts, raisins, dates and apricots and blend. Put cheese mixture into pan or bowl and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Include with the spread, apple slices and crackers.
Perfect Picnic Pate
1 finely chopped onion 1 minced garlic clove
1 tablespoon butter 1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 pound ground veal 1/4 pound finely diced baby beef liver
1/2 cup chopped, cooked ham 1 slightly beaten egg
1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon allspice 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
6 slices bacon 3 bay leaves
Saute onion, garlic in butter until softened. Add pork, veal, liver, ham, egg, pepper, salt, allspice and thyme. Mix well. Lightly cook bacon and place in pie plate, letting bacon hang over the side of plate. Put bay leaves under bacon. Place meat mixture evenly into pie plate and fold the ends of the bacon over meat mixture. Cover and put in microwave on medium-high for 4 minutes, until juices are no longer pink. Keep juices. Let pate cool. Refrigerate for 12 hours. Brush pate with juices and then cut into 1” slices.
Shrimp Spread
1/2 pound cream cheese 1/3 cup sour cream
1/3 cup ketchup 1 teaspoon horseradish
1/2 pound small cooked shrimp, deveined Crackers
In blender, mix cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Spread into a 9 inch glass pie plate and chill until firm. Mix together ketchup and horseradish and spread over the cheese layer. Arrange shrimp on top. Serve with crackers.
Ham Twists
1/4 pound cream cheese 8 stuffed green olives
2 teaspoons horseradish 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Salt and pepper to taste Thin ham slices
Toothpicks
Combine all ingredients and add salt and pepper to taste. Spread onto ham slices. Roll up and secure with a toothpick.
Ham Stuffed Mushroom Caps
1 pound large mushrooms 1/4 pound ham, finely chopped
Mayonnaise, as necessary Salt and pepper, to taste
1 green onion, minced
Remove stems from mushrooms and chop finely. Mix chopped mushroom stems, chopped ham with mayonnaise to form a paste. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Fill mushrooms with ham mixture and bake until brown at 350 degrees. Good warm or cold.
Other Ideas: Take cheese and crackers, jar of pickled beets, smoked oysters, smoked salmon, pate. Also, don’t forget the chips, pretzels, bacon rinds and peanuts.
Salads
Zucchini Salad
2 medium zucchinis 2 medium onions, separated into rings
3 tablespoons lemon juice 1/3 cup olive oil
¼ teaspoon oregano ½ teaspoon salt
Chopped parsley
Wash and slice zucchini very thin and cover with boiling water. Let stand 5 minutes, drain well. Prepare onion and add. Combine lemon juice, oil, oregano and salt and pour over zucchini and onions. Mix gently and allow to marinade for several hours before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Tuna Salad
1 – 7 ounce can tuna 1 cup diced apples
½ cup chopped celery ½ cup mayonnaise
Lettuce
Drain tuna and break into pieces. Combine all ingredients and serve on lettuce leaves.
Salad Supreme
½ head iceberg letter 1 green pepper, cut in strips
2 small sliced tomatoes 1 small onion, separated into rings
2 hard cooked sliced eggs ¼ cup sliced stuffed green olives
½ medium cucumber, cut in chunks
Salad Dressing:
2 tablespoons olive oil 1 ½ tablespoons tarragon vinegar
¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
1 clove crushed garlic 1/8 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon chopped parsley
Tear lettuce into bite sized pieces. Add peppers, tomatoes, onions, eggs, olives and cucumbers; refrigerate. Combine dressing ingredients and mix well. Add dressing to salad when serving.
Cucumber and Ham Salad
6 ounces baked ham, diced 2 small cucumbers, diced
Salad Dressing:
1 cup plain yogurt 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
Dash nutmeg/pinch of sugar Salt and pepper to taste
Parsley leaves, chopped 1 mint leaf, minced
2 tablespoons chives
Combine ham and cucumbers. Stir dressing ingredients together and mix hand and cucumbers into dressing when ready to serve.
Marinated Beef Salad
3 cups cubed cooked lean beef ½ cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons chopped parsley 1 red pepper, seeded and chopped
1 medium chopped tomato
Salad Dressing:
½ cup olive oil ¼ cup wine vinegar
½ teaspoon salt/1/4 teaspoon pepper ½ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon prepared mustard
Combine beef, onion, parsley, pepper and tomato. Mix well. Combine dressing ingredients and pour over salad. Refrigerate for 3 hours. When serving, place on lettuce leaves and garnish with sliced tomatoes. Serve with crusty bread.
Feta Cheese Salad
½ pound feta cheese ¼ teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 stalks celery, sliced walnuts, almonds or pecans
¼ teaspoon salt
Arrange cheese in shallow bowl. Sprinkle with pepper. Drizzle 1 tablespoon each of oil and vinegar over cheese. Spread celery onto cheese and sprinkle with nuts. Drizzle with rest of oil and vinegar. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Vegetable Pasta Salad
¼ cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon sour cream
1 tablespoon vinegar 2 teaspoons sugar
1 cup pasta, cooked 1 cup finely shredded white cabbage
1/2 cup grated carrot 1/2 cup diced green pepper
Mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar and sugar. Add cooked pasta and vegetables. Toss lightly.
Chicken Salad
1 pound cooked diced chicken 4 stalks diced celery
¼ cup vegetable oil 2 tablespoons malt vinegar
Juice of ½ lemon 1 hard-boiled egg, finely chopped
½ cup mayonnaise ½ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons chili sauce 2 tablespoons capers
½ teaspoon salt
Mix together chicken, celery, oil, vinegar and lemon juice. Chill for several hours. Mix chopped egg with mayonnaise, sour cream, chili sauce, capers and salt. Pour dressing over the chicken mixture and mix well. Serve on crisp lettuce leaves.
Hearty Salad
1 can green beans 2 carrots, cut in strips
1 cup chopped celery ¼ cup French Dressing
¼ pound cooked beef cut in strips ¼ pound ham, cut in strips
2 hard-boiled eggs ½ cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish sauce Lettuce
Marinate beans, carrots and celery in French Dressing for two hours. Wash and break lettuce into bite size pieces and put into a salad bowl. Place meat on top and then spoon vegetables over the meat. Cut eggs in circles and arrange over top of salad. Mix mayonnaise and horseradish sauce together for dressing.
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Tuna and Rice Mold Salad
1 ½ cups cooked rice 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 can tuna 4 tablespoons chopped chives
½ cup sour cream ½ cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon celery seeds 1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
Salt/pepper to taste
Drain tuna and break into pieces. Add to rice, tomatoes and chives and mix well. Mix sour cream into mayonnaise and add celery seeds. Mix mayonnaise mixture with tuna and rice. Press into a mold and refrigerate.
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Beef With Potato Salad
½ pound cold cooked beef, cut in strips 2 tomatoes, quartered
3 potatoes, cooked and diced 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 dill pickle, chopped 2 tablespoons chopped chives
Combine beef, tomatoes, potatoes, parsley, pickle and chives and mix well. Before serving, pour on French dressing or dressing of your choice and toss.
Crunchy Cole Slaw Salad
Small cabbage shredded thinly 4 chopped green onions
1/2 cup slivered almonds 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 tablespoons chicken soup mix Dried chow mein noodles
1/4 cup olive oil 3 tablespoons white vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Mix cabbage, onions and almonds. Mix together dressing and toss. Sprinkle sesame seeds and crumbled noodles on top.
Other Ideas: Don’t forget the regular standbys of traditional potato salad, sandwiches, cold oven-baked chicken and cold cuts. Bring along a loaf of French bread, crusty rolls or croissants. Also flavoured butters such as garlic butter are a great addition.
Entrees
Cheese and Macaroni Ring
1 cup elbow macaroni ¼ cup French dressing
2 cups cottage cheese ¼ cup diced pimento
¼ cup diced green pepper 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Cook macaroni about 10 minutes and drain well. While warm, add French dressing and mix well. Set aside to chill. Add all ingredients together and press into a quart ring mold. Chill several hours. Garnish with olive slices when serving.
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Picnic Chilli
1 can 6 ounce red kidney beans 1 can 6 ounce brown beans
1 medium onion, sliced ½ green pepper, chopped
1 pound lean beer 2 – 6 ounce cans stewed tomatoes
1 ½ tablespoons chilli powder ½ teaspoon salt
Dash of cayenne pepper 4 medium sized mushrooms, sliced
Brown beef, onion, mushrooms and green pepper; drain. Add kidney beans, brown beans, stewed tomatoes and seasonings. Simmer for a minimum of 2 hours. Add water, if necessary. Put into a wide-mouthed thermos bottle for winter-time picnics.
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Ham and Egg Sandwich Loaf
1 loaf uncut bread ½ pound cooked ham, chopped
1 – 3 ounce can pimentos, chopped Mayonnaise
1 cup sweet pickle relish 2 hard boiled eggs
1 – 1 ½ cups cream cheese
Remove crusts from bread and cut lengthwise into four equally sized slices. Mix together ham and pimentos with enough mayonnaise to make a paste. Chop pickle and eggs together and mix with mayonnaise. Butter two slices of bread and spread ham mixture. Then spread egg mixture between the next two slices and then ham mixture. The spread the top and sides of the loaf with softened cream cheese. Refrigerate 3 – 4 hours before slicing.
Chicken Stew
(Can be cooked ahead in a slow cooker)
8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs 1/4 teaspoons each of salt and pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1/2 chopped onion
1/2 cup each of carrot and celery 3/4 cup mushrooms, quartered
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme 1 cup chicken stock
1/4 cup all purpose flour 1/2 cup frozen peas
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Chopped chicken into bite-size pieces; sprinkle with half each of the salt and pepper. Heat 1/2 tablespoon of oil in skillet over medium heat. Brown chicken and then put into slow cooker. Drain fat and add remaining oil to skillet. Saute onion, carrot and celery until softened. Add mushrooms, thyme and remaining salt and pepper. Cook until softened and scrape into slow cooker. Add chicken stock to slow cooker. Cover and cook on low until vegetables are tender, about 4 hours. Mix flour with 1/2 cup of water and stir into slow cooker. Add peas and parsley and cook on high until thickened; about 20 minutes. Put into wide-mouthed thermos for picnic. Plenty for two. Eat with crusty buns or chunks of bread.
Minestrone Soup
1 cup meat sauce 3 cups water
1 cup cooked beans (any kind) 1/2 cup macaroni
1/2 to 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Frozen peas, corn or any other cooked vegetables
Combine ingredients, simmering until macaroni is cooked. Add salt and pepper to taste. Put into wide-mouthed thermos and serve with crusty buns or chunks of bread.
Seasoned Chicken Thighs
2 chicken thighs 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoons vinegar 1 tablespoon oil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Pinch of cayenne
Put chicken into a lightly greased baking dish. Combine remaining ingredients, mix well and spread over the chicken. Cover and refrigerate for about 15 minutes. Bake at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes. The chicken can be served hot or cold. Nicely served with potato salad.
Ratatoouille and Chickpeas
(Cook ahead in a slow cooker)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, chopped 6 cups chopped eggplant
2 tablespoons dried basil 1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper 1 each of sweet red and yellow pepper
1 large zucchini 1/3cup tomato paste
1 can (19 oz) drained chickpeas 1 can 28 ounce tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Fry onion, garlic, eggplant, basil, oregano, salt, pepper and stir occasionally until onion has softened. Put into slow cooker. Cut yellow and red peppers and zucchini into pieces and add to slow cooker. Add tomato paste, chickpeas and tomatoes. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until vegetables are tender. Add basil at end. Put into a wide-mouthed thermos and serve with biscuits, crusty buns or chunky bread.
Tortilla Delight
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup chopped dill pickles
1 cup diced salami 2 finely chopped green onions
2 large tomatoes, seeded and chopped 1/3 cup mayonnaise
Tortillas, Kaiser buns or tacos Lettuce
Combine ingredients and mix thoroughly. Line tortillas, buns or tacos with filling. Maybe add a salad and you’re set for your romantic picnic.
Tasty Burger Stew
1 pound ground beef 1 tablespoon minced onion
1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper 16 ounce can vegetable soup
1 can tomato soup 1 can mushrooms
Add any other vegetables you wish
Brown beef and onion. Drain and add seasonings. Stir in the soups, mushrooms and any other vegetables. Pour into casserole and bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Put into a wide-mouthed thermos. There will be plenty to eat after a long hike.
‘You’d Never Know It Was Soup’ Bean and Sausage Soup
2 cups chickpeas 4 slices of bacon
3 tablespoons olive oil 2 onions, chopped
3 minced garlic cloves 1 chopped celery stalk
1 diced carrot 6 cups water
2 bay leaves 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 – 14 ounce can tomatoes 1/4 pounded ham, cut in pieces
1/2 pound chopped sausage or pepperoni Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
Dice bacon and cook in oil until lightly brown. Discard all but 3 tablespoons of the fat. Cook the onions, garlic, celery and carrot until softened. Add bacon, beans, water, bay leaves, paprika, coriander, thyme, marjoram and bring to boil. Simmer for about 1 hour. Chop tomatoes into bite-size pieces and add. Add ham and sausage to the soup and simmer uncovered until well heated. Remove bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with parsley. Put into wide-mouthed thermos and eat with crusty rolls or bread.
Fondue Picnic
Fondue Pot, fuel and fondue forks
Oil or beef or chicken broth Crusty bread or buns
Butter, margarine or garlic butter
Suggested vegetables and meat for cooking:
Bite-sized vegetables, i.e. zucchini, cauliflower, yams, new potatoes
mushrooms, broccoli, etc.
Bite-sized chunks of beef or chicken
Other Possibilities:
Perogies, European sausages
Condiments, i.e.: mustard, sour cream and various sauces. These may include:
Teriyaki sauce, honey garlic, plum sauce, etc.
This is great for a late Fall or Winter picnic.
Tuna Fish Burgers
(Take along a portable barbecue)
3 tins tuna 3/4 cups oatmeal
3 eggs 1 stalk celery, chopped
1 onion, finely chopped 1 teaspoon pepper
Hamburger buns Any desired condiments
Lettuce, tomatoes (optional)
Mix all of the tuna ingredients together and then form into patties. Cook until brown on each side.
Additional Ideas: Along with a portable barbecue, take some thick, juicy steaks, potatoes to bake and corn-on-the-cob and of course, a salad.
Desserts
Eggnog Rice Pudding
1 cup eggnog ¾ tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon milk ½ cup seedless raisins
¼ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon rum extract
1 cup cooked rice Nutmeg
Heat eggnog over low heat. Combine cornstarch and milk then pour into eggnog, stirring constantly. Cook and stir over low heat until mixture thickens. Add raisins before removing from heat. Add salt and rum extract then fold in to cooked rice. Chill. Can be served with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
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Blueberry Tapioca Pudding
1 ½ cups blueberries ¼ cup sugar
¼ cup water 1 tablespoon tapioca
Stir all ingredients together and then let stand for five minutes. Bring to a full boil, stirring constantly. Chill. Can be served with whipped cream.
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Coffee Mousse
¾ envelope unflavoured gelatin ¾ cups water
½ cup milk 1/3 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon instant coffee
2 small eggs, separated ½ teaspoon vanilla
Place gelatin, water, milk, sugar, salt and coffee into top of double boiler and stir until gelatin has melted and mixture has reached boiling point. Add egg yolks and stir over low heat until the mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Chill until mixture becomes the consistency of thick syrup. Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into mixture. Chill until firm.
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Yogurt Ecstasy
1 cup plain yogurt 3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/3 cup dry white wine Grated rind of half a lemon
1 teaspoon vanilla ¼ cup sugar
1 envelope unflavoured gelatine 1/3 cup cold water
3 egg whites
Blend yogurt, lemon juice, wine, lemon rind, vanilla and sugar. Soak gelatin in cold water and place over low heat, stirring constantly. Fold into yogurt mixture. Cool until thickened. Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into mixture. Chill.
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Lemon Cheesecake
1 cup graham wafer crumbs 1/3 cup toasted ground almonds
1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup butter, melted
1 envelope unflavoured gelatine 1 – 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream or yogurt 2 cups whipped dessert topping
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind 1 package 4 ounce lemon pie filling
For the crust, combine graham crumbs, almonds, sugar and butter. Press mixture into the bottom and half way up the sides of a 10” springform pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 – 10 minutes then cool. Prepare lemon pie filling according to directions on package but substitute 1 whole egg for the 2 egg yolks and sprinkle gelatine over the lemon pie filling mixture before cooking. Reserve 1 cup of the mixture. Beat the cream cheese, blend in the sour cream and the remaining warm filling. Fold in the prepared dessert topping and lemon rind. Spoon into pan and chill for 1/2 hour. Then top with reserved lemon pie filling mixture and chill for three hours.
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Streudel Coffee Cake
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup butter 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 egg, beaten
3/4 cup buttermilk or sour milk 1 – 19 ounce can apple pie filling
1/3 cup raisins
Combine flour and sugar and cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Set aside 1/2 cup of the mixture. To the remainder add baking powder and soda. Combine egg and buttermilk and add to dry ingredients. Stir until moistened. Spread 2/3 of the batter over bottom and part way up the side of a greased 9” springform pan. Combine pie filling and raisins and spoon over batter. Drop spoonfuls of remaining batter over filling. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 – 55 minutes.
Pineapple Carrot Cake
2 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons cinnamon
4 eggs 2 cups sugar
1 cup oil or melted butter 2 cups grated carrots
2 cups crushed drained pineapple 1 cup walnuts or coconut
Stir together dry ingredients. Mix eggs, sugar and oil together. Add carrots, pineapple and nuts, beating after each addition. Add sifted ingredients and stir well. Pour into greased 9” x 13” pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Ice with softened cream cheese.
Apple Cake
1 3/4 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon soda 1/2 teaspoon salt
Sugar 1/2 cup melted butter
1 egg Buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla 2 tart apples, peeled and sliced thinly
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Mix together flour, baking powder, soda, salt and 1 cup of sugar. Mix 1/4 cup butter with egg and add buttermilk to make one cup. Pour into flour mixture and beat until batter is smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour remaining butter into baking dish. Add batter and arrange apples over the top. Mix cinnamon with 2 tablespoons sugar and sprinkle over the apples. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 – 40 minutes.
Apple Cranberry Crisp
1 1/2 cups chunky applesauce 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 – 16 ounce can whole cranberries 1 cup quick cooking rolled oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg 1/2 cup margarine
Combine applesauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and lemon juice in a saucepan and stir frequently until thickened. Stir in cranberries and heat mixture. Set aside. In mixing bowl combine oats, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, cinnamon or nutmeg and cut in margarine until mixture is crumbly. Press half of this oat mixture into the bottom of a greased 8” x 8” x 2” baking pan. Spread applesauce/cranberry mixture over oat layer then sprinkle with remaining oat mixture. Bake in 375 degree over for about 35 minutes.
Unique Oatmeal Cookies
1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening 1 egg
1/4 teaspoon vanilla 3/4 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup chopped nuts Granulated sugar
Combine flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add shortening, egg and vanilla and beat well. Stir in rolled oats and nuts. Using a teaspoon, shape dough into balls and dip one side of the ball into granulated sugar. Place sugar side up on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 – 15 minutes or until golden brown. Makes about 3 1/2 dozen cookies. (Freeze ahead for several picnics)
Lemon/Raspberry Tarts
1 1/4 cups boiling water 1 – 3 ounce package lemon flavoured gelatin
2 tablespoons sugar 1 cup lemon yogurt
1/2 cup raspberry jelly
Combine lemon flavoured gelatin and sugar. Add the boiling water and stir until the gelatin is dissolved. Beat in the lemon yogurt. Chill gelatin mixture until partially set. Beat the gelatin mixture until light and fluffy. Chill again until mixture mounds when spooned before filling baked tart shells. Cover and chill overnight. Garnish with raspberry jelly.
Rhubarb Pudding
1 cup flour 1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter 1/2 cup milk
2 cups rhubarb 1 cup sugar
1 cup boiling water
Mix together all dry ingredients. Cut in butter to dry ingredients then add milk and mix
Spread into an 8” x 8” greased pan. Arrange rhubarb on top. Dissolve sugar in boiling
Water and pour over pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
Other Ideas: Take fresh fruit, some fruit yogurt, some ready-made puddings, granola bars, gingersnaps or trail mix.
Dreamy Drinks
(Ideal for Fall and Winter Picnics)
Mulled Memories
2 cups apple juice 2 cups water
1/2 cup light brown sugar 1 cinnamon stick
16 whole cloves Dash ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons fine grind instant coffee
Combine all ingredients except instant coffee. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in instant coffee. Pour into thermos bottle for your picnic.
Elegance
4 teaspoons finely ground instant coffee 1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 tablespoon orange liqueur 1 tablespoon chocolate liqueur
3 tablespoons sugar Whipped cream
Combine all the ingredients except whipping cream. Put into thermos and enjoy on your winter picnic.
Heartwarmer
3 eggs, separated 3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup cold water 3 teaspoons vanilla
3 cups milk 3/4 cup brandy
1/3 cup sugar 1 1/2 cups whipping cream
2 1/2 tablespoons finely ground instant coffee
Beat egg yolks. Add instant coffee, sugar, water, vanilla, milk and brandy and blend thoroughly. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until they form soft peaks and gradually fold in 1/3 cup of sugar. Beat again until they form stiff peaks. Fold whipping cream, egg whites and coffee mixture together. Chill before putting into thermos.
Anytime will do at all!
‘Picnics and Romance’ should put you in the mood for romance. It will also give you some ideas of where to go to enjoy solitude and the beauty of nature in our beautiful Lower Mainland.
I have included many wonderful, romantic and beautiful picnic spots where you can enjoy not only a romantic picnic but also walks, hikes, lakes and special spots that will soon become your own favourite areas where you can have a private picnic for two.
Included also are Appetizers, Salads, Entrees and Dessert Recipes for your romantic picnics that will be delicious no matter what time of year it is. A picnic is great whether there are new buds of Spring on the trees, a Summer’s sun shining warmly on your back, the colours turning to the yellows and golds of Fall or the Winter magic of snow on the ground.
What is needed for a Romantic Picnic?
- A sturdy, good-sized picnic basket and/or cooler
- Dishes and silverware
- Cups and wine glasses
- Napkins and tablecloth
- Candle and container (the container is necessary for protection against any breeze), and a lighter
- Food and refreshments (wine or champagne?)
- Blanket
- Vase and flowers (optional)
- A camera (to record your romantic picnic)
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Winter
Winter has a nice quiet beauty,
Of garden work, there is no duty.
A picnic in the white outdoors,
Or a picnic by a fire that roars.
Either one I’ll choose to do,
As long as it is me and you.
Spring
Spring is here, the world is green,
Blue skies and flowers can be seen.
We’ll go for a walk and smell the fresh earth,
The sun is shining, there’s been a rebirth.
We breathe in deeply of the sweet air,
And stride off briskly without a care.
Summer
A picnic, a hike and moss-covered trees,
We’ll sit by the ocean and feel the cool breeze.
Stand by a creek and watch the water rush by,
Feel our hearts soar when we see birds in the sky.
We’ll hear crickets and frogs on a warm summer night,
And walk in the woods with no others in sight.
Fall
So many things to do and see,
A mountain view, come share with me.
Fish to catch in a crystal clear lake,
With much to do, there are memories to make.
Orange, yellow and brown, the colours of Fall,
Let’s picnic together and forsake the mall.
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Romantic Romps
The Lower Mainland
Barnston Island
A few nice spots where we can eat,
With grass and view; it can’t be beat.
To a time long past is where we went,
This place of serenity was heaven-sent.
Peering between scattered trees, we watched log booms slowly drift by on the Fraser River. From an island that is predominantly farm land we were able to watch industry and commerce as tugs and ships of various sizes traveled the river.
The picnic spot where we had chosen to lunch gave us a good view of the river and of Surrey beyond, appearing to be undeveloped from where we stood. We knew this was not the case because we had just taken the barge/tug across from that thriving city.
On Barnston Island sheep and horses graze in lush green pastures and snow peaked mountains are a backdrop to this comforting and welcoming scene. Dogs barked lazily in the distance and a cat meandered across the road to welcome us. Plump ripe blackberries grew abundantly beside the road ready for the picking. Native islanders waved a passing greeting to us as we walked the road beside their farms, and children smiled without fear or curiosity.
On Barnston Island one takes a step back in time. Farming is a way of life existing in few other places. Part of the quaint charm, the laid-back feeling and the excitement of a visit to this small island seems to come with the barge/tug mode of travel.
The barge/tug crossing can be reached by going east on Highway 1, exiting at 176th Street and traveling north to 104th Avenue and then right a very short distance to the ‘ferry’. There is a parking lot where you can leave your car (or take it across on the ferry if you wish). From there it is a five minute trip across Parson’s Channel.
If you turn left after disembarking, you will pass farmyards with areas where the beach can be reached. One area we explored was sandy with a nice area for a picnic. Beside this grassy and sandy area was a large area of clay. We took off our shoes and let the soft clay squish between our toes while we explored the area. I’ll admit this is not for everyone but it gave us a sense of freedom, of throwing off restrictions. There is also another area further along with a couple of picnic tables that was private. Trees provided us with shade from the sun and we had a beautiful view of the river.
If you turn right after you get off the ferry, you will see a wild swampy area and then sweeping farmland. If you arrive at low tide, you will be able to walk along the beach and savour the beauty of the Fraser River.
As you circle the island, you will enjoy the splendor of the North Shore Mountains and Mount Baker. The round trip of the island is approximately 9.5 km.
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Bedwell Bay – Belcarra Park
Another picnic you can share with me,
At a little cove down by the sea.
We can go on a hike along the shore,
Then find another trail and hike some more.
Lots to see and lots to do and some lovely spots to picnic too! Belcarra Park is on the Burrard Inlet and can be reached by turning off Barnet onto Ioco Road. If you park in Belcarra’s main parking lot near the concession stand, you will be near the beginning of the trail that will take you to Burns Point. If you’re feeling very energetic, there is a hike you can take to Jug Island. The views are delightful and a lot of the walk is under cover of trees so even on a hot summer day, the walk can be very pleasant.
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Bowen Island
Another great picnic for you and me,
With a lake on the island for us to see.
We’ll search and look for a sandy spot,
To eat our lunch before the sun gets hot.
Perhaps for a stroll on the beach we’ll go,
Or rent a boat and go for a row.
The most difficult part of this enjoyable jaunt will be finding a parking spot at Horseshoe Bay. The best advice is to leave early enough in the day to avoid this problem, (or take your car and explore the rest of the island). On Bowen Island, we followed the road a very short distance from the ferry terminal and took a path to the lake. Because we were early, we followed the trail around the lake and then found a secluded area for our picnic.
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Campbell Valley Park
There's lots to see at this park of old,
With many stories to be told,
A farmstead and schoolhouse to explore,
Let’s come again, I do implore.
The wind’s at our back, our faces to the sun,
I can’t believe we’ve had so much fun.
This park seems to have it all: trees, a marsh, rolling countryside, a ravine, a river, a scenic meadow and lots of trails. The main parking area is off 8th Avenue and 204th Street in Langley. The round trip trail is 14 km (8.7 miles) and it’s suggested that four
hours be allowed for the trip. The trails are good all year. There are many picnic spots available in this park and many trips will be needed to find them all.
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Cates Park
We'll gaze at the ocean as the sailboats go by,
Hear the cry of the seagulls as they fly in the sky.
We’ll search for treasures walking hand-in-hand,
And leave our footprints in the wet sand.
A private picnic with history as a background! If that’s what you’re in the mood for, drive to Cates Park on Dollarton Highway. Grab your picnic basket and blanket and look for the entrance to the Michael Lowry Walk.
As you meander along the path, under a canopy of leaves, you can stop at several spots as benches have been placed along the way. The view is spectacular.
On the path you will see a sign telling you the story of Michael Lowry, author, born in 1909. He won the Governor General’s Award for fiction, writing “Under the Volcano”, “White Fire of the Mist”, and “Wild Ducks Doing Sixty Downwind”. He lived in a squatter’s shack with his wife Margerie, between 1940 and 1954, and died in 1957.
This area is adjacent to the Cedarside and Dollar Mills which were founded in 1916, when Captain Robert Dollar, from San Francisco, purchased one hundred acres on the Burrard Inlet. He built a sawmill with loading docks and changed the name from Roche Point to Dollarton. Until 1918, the only access was by boat.
Port Moody supplied lumber to the mill, all of which was destined for China, South Africa, England and India. At that time, it was a thriving community with a Post Office, a store, the Roche Point School, a community hall which doubled as a church, homes for key employees and bunkhouses for the men who worked in the mills. It operated until December 23, 1942 when it was sold for timber rights to the North West Logging Company. They closed the mill and sold off the machinery at that time.
The Vancouver Cedar Lumber Mill known as Cedarside adjacent to Dollar Mill operated until 1929 when the depression forced its closure. The concrete structure remaining on the property is the burner base from the Cedarside Mills. This structure is picturesque with four tunnels going into the centre which is now filled with grass and other vegetation. It is surrounded by trees with the ocean as its backdrop.
Walking past this structure, you will find a private, sandy beach with huge logs and overhanging trees. It is a perfect spot for a picnic. On the day we were there, we saw eighteen sailboats with brightly coloured sails pass us by.
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Crescent Beach
This is one of the best places to be,
With a walk through trails and boats to see;
Tranquility of surf anytime of the year,
We'll picnic here and feel full of cheer.
A Story Untold of Long Ago
Rotting pilings, covered with a growth of barnacles stand where an Oyster company stood in the early 1900’s – a thriving business that once employed 100 people on the shores of Crescent Beach. The warehouse and the bunkhouse are long since gone, only the pilings remain as a harsh reminder of what the small village of Crescent Beach once was. When the pilings rot and wear away, there will no longer be any reminders of the hustle and bustle of those early days. It will be a time forgotten by some and never known by many. Some of these pilings already lie in the sand, their only use a stop-off for the birds who occasionally sit atop them.
Some may look at these rotting pilings and see only something old with no purpose while others may see the beauty of something that has endured the ins and outs of tides, the winds and the growth of barnacles. What was once a smooth log with no story to tell now possesses character and beauty with a story to tell if we only but knew it.
Crescent Beach is on the east side of Boundary Bay and can be reached by taking the White Rock/Crescent Beach Exit off High 99 and then turning onto Crescent Road. At the end of Crescent Road there are several areas available for parking.
The tidal marshes abound with waterfowl. After walking along the beach area, you can walk through trails in the Blackie Spit area to a quiet corner of the beach. In this area you
can avoid the usual crowds of people during the hot summer and enjoy your romantic picnic for two.
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Derby Reach
Spirits soaring, our hearts are light,
Another picnic, the river’s in sight.
The fog has gone, the dew drops cling,
The sun is shining, can you hear my heart sing?
Our hearts soared as the fogs dispersed and sunbeams gradually filtered through the trees on our visit to Derby Reach one beautiful Fall day. Drops of moisture clung to the leaves, sparkling like twinkling stars as the sun crept further into the forest. The birds came alive, twittering with answering calls from nearby trees. Squirrels ran along the trail near our feet as we strolled and breathed in the fresh air and watched the sun as it rose higher into the sky.
Derby Reach is situated in Fort Langley and can be reached by traveling east along Highway No. 1, take 200th street exit, go north to Wilson Townline Road and go east for 1.5 km to McAdam Road, then north 2 km. to Allard Crescent, and east 3 km to the park entrance. There is a covered public picnic area near parking lot but follow trails to some of the nice spots looking out over the Fraser River.
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Kanaka Creek
Leave the hustle and bustle and come with me,
We’ll find a creek, not a soul shall we see.
High over our heads is a canopy of leaves,
Our picnic spot is surrounded by trees.
The water is rushing over slippery rocks,
And high in the trees there are two hawks.
Nature surrounds us, the sky is blue,
We’ll have a romantic picnic for two.
Are seclusion and tranquility what you yearn for? There are various areas along Kanaka Creek where you could enjoy a picnic. One is Twin Falls at Webster’s Corners in Maple Ridge on the Dewdney Trunk Road. This area, although lovely, is also popular so we decided to picnic in an area that is more off the beaten track. By following Dewdney Trunk Road and turning right on 272nd, we followed the twisty country road until we came to Ferguson Avenue and turned right again. You will have to park at the end of this road and take the short walk down a slight grade, along a narrow, gravel path to Kanaka Creek. You will almost be guaranteed of finding a private picnic spot.
Each Spring the landscape changes so there are always different areas to picnic depending on the winter run-off. You will be able to find small ponds where city-stressed picnickers can enjoy the tranquility of water rushing over rocks, hear the gentle breeze whispering through the leaves in the overhead trees and listen to the music of the various birds. It takes no time for these sounds of nature to lift your spirits. Occasionally you may hear the friendly neigh of a horse in the distance. Nature will wrap its welcoming arms around you and when it’s time to return home, you will not want to leave.
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Rocky Point Park
Please come on a picnic with me,
And explore the ruins beside the sea;
We'll follow the shore through a path in the trees,
And hear the leaves whisper in the sea breeze.
We’ll share a glass of wine or two,
And enjoy our picnic beneath a sky of blue.
Away from the middling crowd? If that’s your goal, make a visit to Rocky Point Park in Port Moody. Drive to the east end of the parking lot where you will see the beginning of the trail. You will work up an appetite for your picnic by following the shoreline trail from Rocky Point Park to Old Orchard Park at the far end. The round trip is 5 km (3.1 miles) of easy, scenic walking.
You will traverse footbridges and boardwalks through marshy areas and pass the wrecked hull of a long abandoned boat. Old Orchard Park, at the end of the trail, has all the amenities you will need of washroom facilities, picnic tables and sandy beaches. But if what you seek is tranquility and solitude, head back and turn right on the footpath directly past the large sign listing areas of protection for the local bird population.
This path will take you to the water and if you’ve timed it right, the tide will be in. You will see picturesque remnants of Stanley’s brickyard of years gone by as well as the remains of an old cedar mill.
The remains reminded us of a ruined castle, its crumbling bricks overgrown with nature’s vegetation. There are several private spots in this area you can choose from for your picnic. We found a spot off the path on a small bluff overlooking the water with the ruins behind us. We were surrounded with the natural fauna of the area and the birds were our only companions.
It was a perfect spot for a romantic picnic. We had privacy, a view, a bottle of wine and excellent food. After our leisurely picnic, we explored the barnacle covered ruins and tried to imagine what they looked like before our modern civilization intruded onto its doorstep.
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Rice Lake
There’s a quiet, small lake that I know of dear.
We can enjoy ourselves while we picnic here.
The water is warm and the grass is green,
There’s hawks and many a bird to be seen.
Tranquil and Serene
Almost entirely surrounded with mountains and different varieties of trees, the lake, upon reaching it after following the trail from Lynn Canyon, is like seeing a mirage in the desert. The forest and sky reflect their beauty in the mirror-like surface of Rice Lake and one does not expect to see so much beauty at the end of the curving uphill hike. The silence was a roar in our ears interspersed with the intermittent splash of fish jumping out of the water, rarely seen except for the rippling effect on the surface of the otherwise smooth lake.
There looked to be secret little coves hidden at various places on the distant shoreline. A kayak to explore would have been wonderful, I thought except it would have spoiled the serene beauty of the peaceful waters. It is a place to relax, to dream, to picnic and to forget there’s a world beyond this quiet corner of nature.
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Stanley Park
A perfect spot with a view that’s great,
Let’s grab a rod and get some bait.
We’ll fish and kiss and eat some lunch,
And head home late to avoid the crunch.
Stanley Park, in the downtown area of Vancouver offers much for both Vancouverites and suburbanites and can more than fill a whole day of enjoyment. Here again, the secret is to get there early in order to be able to obtain a parking spot. Grab your picnic basket and explore because you don’t know where you may find that absolutely perfect picnic spot.
But watch out for the seagulls! They will swoop down beside you and steal food off your plate. But don’t encourage them by giving them scraps if you don’t want an uninvited guest at your romantic picnic.
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Weaver Lake
O’r hill and vale, we’ll take a hike,
Through meadows and forests, you will like.
Colour surrounds us, the sky is blue,
Leaves overhead and birds flying too.
We had a great day that was filled with fun,
From early morn ‘til long after the sun.
Breathe deeply and enjoy the crisp, fresh air when you enter this wooded, hilly area near Harrison Hot Springs. Turn north off Highway 7 at the Sasquash Inn onto the Hemlock Valley Road. At the fork stay right and travel 9.5 km before turning left to reach Weaver Lake. The trek is well worth your while.
If you decide to follow the trail around the lake, the distance is approximately 6.5 km and will require about three hours if you meander, as we did. You will enjoy the various types of natural growth surrounding the lake, the view, the silence and the solitude. We met no one else on our hike.
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Whytecliff Park
While we climb on the rocks and smell the fresh air,
The wind may blow but we haven’t a care.
A squeeze of your hand and a wink of your eye,
I’m so happy my dear, I feel I could fly.
Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver can be reached by traveling west on the Upper Levels Highway and taking the Squamish route at Horseshoe Bay. Turn left and cross the overpass, through the stop sign, right onto Hycroft Road and then left uphill to the parking lot.
You will enjoy fabulous views of Howe Sound, Bowen Island, Point Grey and Black Mountain. If you walk over the causeway to Whyte Island and follow a trail through the trees, you’ll find your very own private picnic spot.
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Whonock Lake
A lake that is near and not very far,
An enjoyable drive then we'll unload the car,
Spring, Fall and Winter are the best times to go,
It'll be quiet on the lake when we go for a row.
Whonock Lake, at most times, with the exception of the heat of summer, is quiet. The water is warm and calm and great for kayaking and canoeing. The beaches are sandy and there are trees for shade. There are also a number of picnic tables available.
The lake can be reached from Lougheed Highway #7, turn left onto 272nd Street until you reach 112th Avenue, turn east and follow signage to Whonock Lake Centre and proceed to parking lot among the trees.
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Winter on the Fraser River
A winter’s picnic will be truly fun,
With heavy clothes we don't need the sun,
Hot mulled wine made for two,
A perfect spot I’ll find for you.
The crisp air makes the view of the distant mountains stand out in sharp contrast to the sky, not fuzzy and blurry as they sometimes are on a warm summer day. Everything on this cold winter day is crisp – the barren trees stripped of their leaves, the water smooth like a mirror with clouds, like icing on a cake, illuminated on its surface. The colours are vibrant like an untouched palette. No passing ship has churned the waters; the air is still.
Only our warm breath sending puffs of smoke spoils the scene before us but not before we have absorbed the beauty of it into our memories so that when the river becomes muddy brown in the springtime we can remember this winter scene and our romantic picnic.
There are many places to go,
To watch the river’s tidal flow.
There are many places along the Fraser River where a picnic can be enjoyed whether it is winter or summer. Some of those places are Derby Reach in Fort Langley, Deas Island Park in Delta as well as many other spots along River Road in Delta where the river is accessible. One such spot is underneath the Alex Fraser Bridge.
Standing beneath this high traffic bridge, we see not the hustle and bustle of people rushing, frayed tempers or scowling faces. The rumble overhead is faint while we watch this majestic river complete its journey to the ocean. Logs float downstream with seagulls perched on top, bouncing with the fast-moving current. At high tide they will float back upstream.
On the Delta side, there are grassy areas and low growing greenery offering a nice place to picnic and trails to walk. When we look to the left, we see the river widen before it begins its fall over the horizon. To the right, we can see wharfs and industry before the river disappears from view. In this small section of the river, there is much history; a fishing community sits on its banks.
And on the opposite side of the river, on Annacis Island, there are many other beautiful picnic spots to explore and enjoy. Fishing is usually good near the base of the pillars of the bridge on the Annacis Island side of the river.
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Picnics and Sunsets
As we watch the sun set over the sea,
We’ll marvel aloud at the beauty we see.
British Columbia’s Beauty
Lightning Lake
(Manning Park)
Another nice lake but a little bit colder,
The scenery is rugged, a whole lot bolder.
Let’s heat up the barbeque for our lunch,
We have steak and potatoes and a salad with crunch.
Lightning Lake in the Manning Park area has many picnic areas and hiking and walking trails. There are picnic tables at the lake near the parking area but also many nice spots along the trails.
The Park is a pleasant drive from the Vancouver area about midway on the highway between Hope and Princeton.
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Smugglers Cove
Let’s rest ourselves on this tranquil shore,
We can sit awhile and then explore.
This mystery cove of which much can be told,
About pirates and prisoners held down in the hold.
There’s tranquility in the calm blue waters mirroring clouds that drift like disappearing smoke. The water softly creeps into nooks and crannies, its only sound the swish of ripples lapping at pebbles on the beach. An eagle in a distant tree watches for his next dinner while birds flutter nearby, their voices raised in cheerful song. The breeze, warm on my already sun-bronzed skin, tickles my face like the gentle stroke of an ostrich feather. It is a place so tranquil that my chest constricts with the beauty of it.
But there is mystery also behind every outcropping of rocks that rise from the waters protecting what can’t be seen. Clusters of small islands huddle like stepping stones near the edge of the distant shore. What is nature hiding? What has it hidden before human eyes discovered its tranquility and beauty? What is the mystery of Smuggler’s Cove?
Smuggler’s Cove is on the Sunshine Coast and can be reached by driving 16 km north of Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast Highway (101), turn west on Brooks Road and follow the park signs 5 km to the parking area.
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Marvelous Menus
What shall we take on our picnic you say?
So many good things; we’ll want to stay.
Appetizers
Sesame Seed Spread
1 cup cottage cheese 1/3 cup toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon chopped parsley 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Grated fresh horseradish (to taste) 2 tablespoons finely diced green pepper
2 tablespoons finely diced red pepper Salt to taste
Whole wheat crackers
Combine all ingredients, mixing well. Refrigerate. Serve with crackers.
Chick Pea Dip
1 4 ounce can drained chick peas 3 tablespoons sesame paste
½ cup lemon juice 1 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves, finely shopped Prepared raw vegetables, as dippers
Chunks of pita bread as dippers
Combine all ingredients in a blender until a thick, coarse paste. Serve with dippers.
Garden Dip
2/3 cup low fat cottage cheese 1 tablespoon finely grated onion
1 tablespoon finely grated carrot 1 teaspoon finely chopped green pepper
½ teaspoon salt/dash of garlic salt 1 cup plain yogurt
Cream cottage cheese with a fork. Add onion, carrot, pepper, salt and garlic salt. Beat until fairly smooth. Stir in yogurt. Cover and chill. Serve with crackers, chips or raw vegetables.
Tasty Ham
2 tablespoons finely chopped green pepper 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery
2 tablespoons finely chopped pimento ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons lemon juice 2 teaspoons olive oil
Salt/pepper 4 slices of cooked ham
Mix green pepper, celery and pimento together. Mix together lemon juice and oil; add salt and pepper to taste and pour over the vegetable mixture. Divide equally between the 4 ham slices and roll. Secure with toothpicks.
Biscuit Snacks
1 cup dry curd cottage cheese 2 tablespoons parsley flakes
1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons chopped pimento
Combine all ingredients and spread on English muffins.
Stuffed Pepper Slices
1 red and 1 green pepper 8 ounces low-fat cottage cheese
2 tablespoons skim milk 1 tablespoon chopped pimento
1 tablespoon chopped chives 1 tablespoon chopped watercress
¼ teaspoon salt/ 1/8 teaspoon white pepper 1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon unflavoured gelatin 1/3 cup cold water
Lettuce
Cream cottage cheese in blender (thin with milk, if necessary). Add pimento, parsley, watercress, chives, salt, pepper and lemon juice. Soak gelatin in cold water and dissolve completely. Add to the cheese mixture. Fill washed, seedless red and green peppers and chill for at least two hours. Cut each pepper into 4 thick slices and serve on lettuce leaves.
Mexican-Style Eggs
8 hard-cooked eggs, chilled 1 tablespoon grated onion
1 tablespoon finely minced green pepper ¼ teaspoon chilli powder
¼ teaspoon salt 2 – 3 dashes hot sauce
2 teaspoons lemon juice 1 tablespoons oliver oil
16 small shrimp, cooked and peeled Parsley
Cut eggs in half lengthwise and remove yolks. Mash yolks with onion, pepper, chilli powder, salt, hot sauce, lemon juice and oil. Fill eggs with yolk mixture and serve with shrimp. Serve cold.
Surprise Spread
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1/4 pound cream cheese
1/8 milk
1/4 cup chopped walnuts 1/4 cup sultana raisins
1/8 cup chopped dates 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
In blender, mix Cheddar cheese, cream cheese and milk, until smooth. Add walnuts, raisins, dates and apricots and blend. Put cheese mixture into pan or bowl and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Include with the spread, apple slices and crackers.
Perfect Picnic Pate
1 finely chopped onion 1 minced garlic clove
1 tablespoon butter 1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 pound ground veal 1/4 pound finely diced baby beef liver
1/2 cup chopped, cooked ham 1 slightly beaten egg
1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon allspice 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
6 slices bacon 3 bay leaves
Saute onion, garlic in butter until softened. Add pork, veal, liver, ham, egg, pepper, salt, allspice and thyme. Mix well. Lightly cook bacon and place in pie plate, letting bacon hang over the side of plate. Put bay leaves under bacon. Place meat mixture evenly into pie plate and fold the ends of the bacon over meat mixture. Cover and put in microwave on medium-high for 4 minutes, until juices are no longer pink. Keep juices. Let pate cool. Refrigerate for 12 hours. Brush pate with juices and then cut into 1” slices.
Shrimp Spread
1/2 pound cream cheese 1/3 cup sour cream
1/3 cup ketchup 1 teaspoon horseradish
1/2 pound small cooked shrimp, deveined Crackers
In blender, mix cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Spread into a 9 inch glass pie plate and chill until firm. Mix together ketchup and horseradish and spread over the cheese layer. Arrange shrimp on top. Serve with crackers.
Ham Twists
1/4 pound cream cheese 8 stuffed green olives
2 teaspoons horseradish 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Salt and pepper to taste Thin ham slices
Toothpicks
Combine all ingredients and add salt and pepper to taste. Spread onto ham slices. Roll up and secure with a toothpick.
Ham Stuffed Mushroom Caps
1 pound large mushrooms 1/4 pound ham, finely chopped
Mayonnaise, as necessary Salt and pepper, to taste
1 green onion, minced
Remove stems from mushrooms and chop finely. Mix chopped mushroom stems, chopped ham with mayonnaise to form a paste. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Fill mushrooms with ham mixture and bake until brown at 350 degrees. Good warm or cold.
Other Ideas: Take cheese and crackers, jar of pickled beets, smoked oysters, smoked salmon, pate. Also, don’t forget the chips, pretzels, bacon rinds and peanuts.
Salads
Zucchini Salad
2 medium zucchinis 2 medium onions, separated into rings
3 tablespoons lemon juice 1/3 cup olive oil
¼ teaspoon oregano ½ teaspoon salt
Chopped parsley
Wash and slice zucchini very thin and cover with boiling water. Let stand 5 minutes, drain well. Prepare onion and add. Combine lemon juice, oil, oregano and salt and pour over zucchini and onions. Mix gently and allow to marinade for several hours before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Tuna Salad
1 – 7 ounce can tuna 1 cup diced apples
½ cup chopped celery ½ cup mayonnaise
Lettuce
Drain tuna and break into pieces. Combine all ingredients and serve on lettuce leaves.
Salad Supreme
½ head iceberg letter 1 green pepper, cut in strips
2 small sliced tomatoes 1 small onion, separated into rings
2 hard cooked sliced eggs ¼ cup sliced stuffed green olives
½ medium cucumber, cut in chunks
Salad Dressing:
2 tablespoons olive oil 1 ½ tablespoons tarragon vinegar
¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
1 clove crushed garlic 1/8 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon chopped parsley
Tear lettuce into bite sized pieces. Add peppers, tomatoes, onions, eggs, olives and cucumbers; refrigerate. Combine dressing ingredients and mix well. Add dressing to salad when serving.
Cucumber and Ham Salad
6 ounces baked ham, diced 2 small cucumbers, diced
Salad Dressing:
1 cup plain yogurt 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
Dash nutmeg/pinch of sugar Salt and pepper to taste
Parsley leaves, chopped 1 mint leaf, minced
2 tablespoons chives
Combine ham and cucumbers. Stir dressing ingredients together and mix hand and cucumbers into dressing when ready to serve.
Marinated Beef Salad
3 cups cubed cooked lean beef ½ cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons chopped parsley 1 red pepper, seeded and chopped
1 medium chopped tomato
Salad Dressing:
½ cup olive oil ¼ cup wine vinegar
½ teaspoon salt/1/4 teaspoon pepper ½ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon prepared mustard
Combine beef, onion, parsley, pepper and tomato. Mix well. Combine dressing ingredients and pour over salad. Refrigerate for 3 hours. When serving, place on lettuce leaves and garnish with sliced tomatoes. Serve with crusty bread.
Feta Cheese Salad
½ pound feta cheese ¼ teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 stalks celery, sliced walnuts, almonds or pecans
¼ teaspoon salt
Arrange cheese in shallow bowl. Sprinkle with pepper. Drizzle 1 tablespoon each of oil and vinegar over cheese. Spread celery onto cheese and sprinkle with nuts. Drizzle with rest of oil and vinegar. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Vegetable Pasta Salad
¼ cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon sour cream
1 tablespoon vinegar 2 teaspoons sugar
1 cup pasta, cooked 1 cup finely shredded white cabbage
1/2 cup grated carrot 1/2 cup diced green pepper
Mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar and sugar. Add cooked pasta and vegetables. Toss lightly.
Chicken Salad
1 pound cooked diced chicken 4 stalks diced celery
¼ cup vegetable oil 2 tablespoons malt vinegar
Juice of ½ lemon 1 hard-boiled egg, finely chopped
½ cup mayonnaise ½ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons chili sauce 2 tablespoons capers
½ teaspoon salt
Mix together chicken, celery, oil, vinegar and lemon juice. Chill for several hours. Mix chopped egg with mayonnaise, sour cream, chili sauce, capers and salt. Pour dressing over the chicken mixture and mix well. Serve on crisp lettuce leaves.
Hearty Salad
1 can green beans 2 carrots, cut in strips
1 cup chopped celery ¼ cup French Dressing
¼ pound cooked beef cut in strips ¼ pound ham, cut in strips
2 hard-boiled eggs ½ cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish sauce Lettuce
Marinate beans, carrots and celery in French Dressing for two hours. Wash and break lettuce into bite size pieces and put into a salad bowl. Place meat on top and then spoon vegetables over the meat. Cut eggs in circles and arrange over top of salad. Mix mayonnaise and horseradish sauce together for dressing.
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Tuna and Rice Mold Salad
1 ½ cups cooked rice 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 can tuna 4 tablespoons chopped chives
½ cup sour cream ½ cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon celery seeds 1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
Salt/pepper to taste
Drain tuna and break into pieces. Add to rice, tomatoes and chives and mix well. Mix sour cream into mayonnaise and add celery seeds. Mix mayonnaise mixture with tuna and rice. Press into a mold and refrigerate.
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Beef With Potato Salad
½ pound cold cooked beef, cut in strips 2 tomatoes, quartered
3 potatoes, cooked and diced 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 dill pickle, chopped 2 tablespoons chopped chives
Combine beef, tomatoes, potatoes, parsley, pickle and chives and mix well. Before serving, pour on French dressing or dressing of your choice and toss.
Crunchy Cole Slaw Salad
Small cabbage shredded thinly 4 chopped green onions
1/2 cup slivered almonds 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 tablespoons chicken soup mix Dried chow mein noodles
1/4 cup olive oil 3 tablespoons white vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Mix cabbage, onions and almonds. Mix together dressing and toss. Sprinkle sesame seeds and crumbled noodles on top.
Other Ideas: Don’t forget the regular standbys of traditional potato salad, sandwiches, cold oven-baked chicken and cold cuts. Bring along a loaf of French bread, crusty rolls or croissants. Also flavoured butters such as garlic butter are a great addition.
Entrees
Cheese and Macaroni Ring
1 cup elbow macaroni ¼ cup French dressing
2 cups cottage cheese ¼ cup diced pimento
¼ cup diced green pepper 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Cook macaroni about 10 minutes and drain well. While warm, add French dressing and mix well. Set aside to chill. Add all ingredients together and press into a quart ring mold. Chill several hours. Garnish with olive slices when serving.
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Picnic Chilli
1 can 6 ounce red kidney beans 1 can 6 ounce brown beans
1 medium onion, sliced ½ green pepper, chopped
1 pound lean beer 2 – 6 ounce cans stewed tomatoes
1 ½ tablespoons chilli powder ½ teaspoon salt
Dash of cayenne pepper 4 medium sized mushrooms, sliced
Brown beef, onion, mushrooms and green pepper; drain. Add kidney beans, brown beans, stewed tomatoes and seasonings. Simmer for a minimum of 2 hours. Add water, if necessary. Put into a wide-mouthed thermos bottle for winter-time picnics.
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Ham and Egg Sandwich Loaf
1 loaf uncut bread ½ pound cooked ham, chopped
1 – 3 ounce can pimentos, chopped Mayonnaise
1 cup sweet pickle relish 2 hard boiled eggs
1 – 1 ½ cups cream cheese
Remove crusts from bread and cut lengthwise into four equally sized slices. Mix together ham and pimentos with enough mayonnaise to make a paste. Chop pickle and eggs together and mix with mayonnaise. Butter two slices of bread and spread ham mixture. Then spread egg mixture between the next two slices and then ham mixture. The spread the top and sides of the loaf with softened cream cheese. Refrigerate 3 – 4 hours before slicing.
Chicken Stew
(Can be cooked ahead in a slow cooker)
8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs 1/4 teaspoons each of salt and pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1/2 chopped onion
1/2 cup each of carrot and celery 3/4 cup mushrooms, quartered
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme 1 cup chicken stock
1/4 cup all purpose flour 1/2 cup frozen peas
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Chopped chicken into bite-size pieces; sprinkle with half each of the salt and pepper. Heat 1/2 tablespoon of oil in skillet over medium heat. Brown chicken and then put into slow cooker. Drain fat and add remaining oil to skillet. Saute onion, carrot and celery until softened. Add mushrooms, thyme and remaining salt and pepper. Cook until softened and scrape into slow cooker. Add chicken stock to slow cooker. Cover and cook on low until vegetables are tender, about 4 hours. Mix flour with 1/2 cup of water and stir into slow cooker. Add peas and parsley and cook on high until thickened; about 20 minutes. Put into wide-mouthed thermos for picnic. Plenty for two. Eat with crusty buns or chunks of bread.
Minestrone Soup
1 cup meat sauce 3 cups water
1 cup cooked beans (any kind) 1/2 cup macaroni
1/2 to 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Frozen peas, corn or any other cooked vegetables
Combine ingredients, simmering until macaroni is cooked. Add salt and pepper to taste. Put into wide-mouthed thermos and serve with crusty buns or chunks of bread.
Seasoned Chicken Thighs
2 chicken thighs 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoons vinegar 1 tablespoon oil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Pinch of cayenne
Put chicken into a lightly greased baking dish. Combine remaining ingredients, mix well and spread over the chicken. Cover and refrigerate for about 15 minutes. Bake at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes. The chicken can be served hot or cold. Nicely served with potato salad.
Ratatoouille and Chickpeas
(Cook ahead in a slow cooker)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, chopped 6 cups chopped eggplant
2 tablespoons dried basil 1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper 1 each of sweet red and yellow pepper
1 large zucchini 1/3cup tomato paste
1 can (19 oz) drained chickpeas 1 can 28 ounce tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Fry onion, garlic, eggplant, basil, oregano, salt, pepper and stir occasionally until onion has softened. Put into slow cooker. Cut yellow and red peppers and zucchini into pieces and add to slow cooker. Add tomato paste, chickpeas and tomatoes. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until vegetables are tender. Add basil at end. Put into a wide-mouthed thermos and serve with biscuits, crusty buns or chunky bread.
Tortilla Delight
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup chopped dill pickles
1 cup diced salami 2 finely chopped green onions
2 large tomatoes, seeded and chopped 1/3 cup mayonnaise
Tortillas, Kaiser buns or tacos Lettuce
Combine ingredients and mix thoroughly. Line tortillas, buns or tacos with filling. Maybe add a salad and you’re set for your romantic picnic.
Tasty Burger Stew
1 pound ground beef 1 tablespoon minced onion
1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper 16 ounce can vegetable soup
1 can tomato soup 1 can mushrooms
Add any other vegetables you wish
Brown beef and onion. Drain and add seasonings. Stir in the soups, mushrooms and any other vegetables. Pour into casserole and bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Put into a wide-mouthed thermos. There will be plenty to eat after a long hike.
‘You’d Never Know It Was Soup’ Bean and Sausage Soup
2 cups chickpeas 4 slices of bacon
3 tablespoons olive oil 2 onions, chopped
3 minced garlic cloves 1 chopped celery stalk
1 diced carrot 6 cups water
2 bay leaves 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 – 14 ounce can tomatoes 1/4 pounded ham, cut in pieces
1/2 pound chopped sausage or pepperoni Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
Dice bacon and cook in oil until lightly brown. Discard all but 3 tablespoons of the fat. Cook the onions, garlic, celery and carrot until softened. Add bacon, beans, water, bay leaves, paprika, coriander, thyme, marjoram and bring to boil. Simmer for about 1 hour. Chop tomatoes into bite-size pieces and add. Add ham and sausage to the soup and simmer uncovered until well heated. Remove bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with parsley. Put into wide-mouthed thermos and eat with crusty rolls or bread.
Fondue Picnic
Fondue Pot, fuel and fondue forks
Oil or beef or chicken broth Crusty bread or buns
Butter, margarine or garlic butter
Suggested vegetables and meat for cooking:
Bite-sized vegetables, i.e. zucchini, cauliflower, yams, new potatoes
mushrooms, broccoli, etc.
Bite-sized chunks of beef or chicken
Other Possibilities:
Perogies, European sausages
Condiments, i.e.: mustard, sour cream and various sauces. These may include:
Teriyaki sauce, honey garlic, plum sauce, etc.
This is great for a late Fall or Winter picnic.
Tuna Fish Burgers
(Take along a portable barbecue)
3 tins tuna 3/4 cups oatmeal
3 eggs 1 stalk celery, chopped
1 onion, finely chopped 1 teaspoon pepper
Hamburger buns Any desired condiments
Lettuce, tomatoes (optional)
Mix all of the tuna ingredients together and then form into patties. Cook until brown on each side.
Additional Ideas: Along with a portable barbecue, take some thick, juicy steaks, potatoes to bake and corn-on-the-cob and of course, a salad.
Desserts
Eggnog Rice Pudding
1 cup eggnog ¾ tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon milk ½ cup seedless raisins
¼ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon rum extract
1 cup cooked rice Nutmeg
Heat eggnog over low heat. Combine cornstarch and milk then pour into eggnog, stirring constantly. Cook and stir over low heat until mixture thickens. Add raisins before removing from heat. Add salt and rum extract then fold in to cooked rice. Chill. Can be served with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
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Blueberry Tapioca Pudding
1 ½ cups blueberries ¼ cup sugar
¼ cup water 1 tablespoon tapioca
Stir all ingredients together and then let stand for five minutes. Bring to a full boil, stirring constantly. Chill. Can be served with whipped cream.
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Coffee Mousse
¾ envelope unflavoured gelatin ¾ cups water
½ cup milk 1/3 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon instant coffee
2 small eggs, separated ½ teaspoon vanilla
Place gelatin, water, milk, sugar, salt and coffee into top of double boiler and stir until gelatin has melted and mixture has reached boiling point. Add egg yolks and stir over low heat until the mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Chill until mixture becomes the consistency of thick syrup. Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into mixture. Chill until firm.
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Yogurt Ecstasy
1 cup plain yogurt 3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/3 cup dry white wine Grated rind of half a lemon
1 teaspoon vanilla ¼ cup sugar
1 envelope unflavoured gelatine 1/3 cup cold water
3 egg whites
Blend yogurt, lemon juice, wine, lemon rind, vanilla and sugar. Soak gelatin in cold water and place over low heat, stirring constantly. Fold into yogurt mixture. Cool until thickened. Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into mixture. Chill.
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Lemon Cheesecake
1 cup graham wafer crumbs 1/3 cup toasted ground almonds
1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup butter, melted
1 envelope unflavoured gelatine 1 – 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream or yogurt 2 cups whipped dessert topping
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind 1 package 4 ounce lemon pie filling
For the crust, combine graham crumbs, almonds, sugar and butter. Press mixture into the bottom and half way up the sides of a 10” springform pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 – 10 minutes then cool. Prepare lemon pie filling according to directions on package but substitute 1 whole egg for the 2 egg yolks and sprinkle gelatine over the lemon pie filling mixture before cooking. Reserve 1 cup of the mixture. Beat the cream cheese, blend in the sour cream and the remaining warm filling. Fold in the prepared dessert topping and lemon rind. Spoon into pan and chill for 1/2 hour. Then top with reserved lemon pie filling mixture and chill for three hours.
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Streudel Coffee Cake
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup butter 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 egg, beaten
3/4 cup buttermilk or sour milk 1 – 19 ounce can apple pie filling
1/3 cup raisins
Combine flour and sugar and cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Set aside 1/2 cup of the mixture. To the remainder add baking powder and soda. Combine egg and buttermilk and add to dry ingredients. Stir until moistened. Spread 2/3 of the batter over bottom and part way up the side of a greased 9” springform pan. Combine pie filling and raisins and spoon over batter. Drop spoonfuls of remaining batter over filling. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 – 55 minutes.
Pineapple Carrot Cake
2 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons cinnamon
4 eggs 2 cups sugar
1 cup oil or melted butter 2 cups grated carrots
2 cups crushed drained pineapple 1 cup walnuts or coconut
Stir together dry ingredients. Mix eggs, sugar and oil together. Add carrots, pineapple and nuts, beating after each addition. Add sifted ingredients and stir well. Pour into greased 9” x 13” pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Ice with softened cream cheese.
Apple Cake
1 3/4 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon soda 1/2 teaspoon salt
Sugar 1/2 cup melted butter
1 egg Buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla 2 tart apples, peeled and sliced thinly
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Mix together flour, baking powder, soda, salt and 1 cup of sugar. Mix 1/4 cup butter with egg and add buttermilk to make one cup. Pour into flour mixture and beat until batter is smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour remaining butter into baking dish. Add batter and arrange apples over the top. Mix cinnamon with 2 tablespoons sugar and sprinkle over the apples. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 – 40 minutes.
Apple Cranberry Crisp
1 1/2 cups chunky applesauce 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 – 16 ounce can whole cranberries 1 cup quick cooking rolled oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg 1/2 cup margarine
Combine applesauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and lemon juice in a saucepan and stir frequently until thickened. Stir in cranberries and heat mixture. Set aside. In mixing bowl combine oats, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, cinnamon or nutmeg and cut in margarine until mixture is crumbly. Press half of this oat mixture into the bottom of a greased 8” x 8” x 2” baking pan. Spread applesauce/cranberry mixture over oat layer then sprinkle with remaining oat mixture. Bake in 375 degree over for about 35 minutes.
Unique Oatmeal Cookies
1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening 1 egg
1/4 teaspoon vanilla 3/4 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup chopped nuts Granulated sugar
Combine flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add shortening, egg and vanilla and beat well. Stir in rolled oats and nuts. Using a teaspoon, shape dough into balls and dip one side of the ball into granulated sugar. Place sugar side up on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 – 15 minutes or until golden brown. Makes about 3 1/2 dozen cookies. (Freeze ahead for several picnics)
Lemon/Raspberry Tarts
1 1/4 cups boiling water 1 – 3 ounce package lemon flavoured gelatin
2 tablespoons sugar 1 cup lemon yogurt
1/2 cup raspberry jelly
Combine lemon flavoured gelatin and sugar. Add the boiling water and stir until the gelatin is dissolved. Beat in the lemon yogurt. Chill gelatin mixture until partially set. Beat the gelatin mixture until light and fluffy. Chill again until mixture mounds when spooned before filling baked tart shells. Cover and chill overnight. Garnish with raspberry jelly.
Rhubarb Pudding
1 cup flour 1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter 1/2 cup milk
2 cups rhubarb 1 cup sugar
1 cup boiling water
Mix together all dry ingredients. Cut in butter to dry ingredients then add milk and mix
Spread into an 8” x 8” greased pan. Arrange rhubarb on top. Dissolve sugar in boiling
Water and pour over pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
Other Ideas: Take fresh fruit, some fruit yogurt, some ready-made puddings, granola bars, gingersnaps or trail mix.
Dreamy Drinks
(Ideal for Fall and Winter Picnics)
Mulled Memories
2 cups apple juice 2 cups water
1/2 cup light brown sugar 1 cinnamon stick
16 whole cloves Dash ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons fine grind instant coffee
Combine all ingredients except instant coffee. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in instant coffee. Pour into thermos bottle for your picnic.
Elegance
4 teaspoons finely ground instant coffee 1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 tablespoon orange liqueur 1 tablespoon chocolate liqueur
3 tablespoons sugar Whipped cream
Combine all the ingredients except whipping cream. Put into thermos and enjoy on your winter picnic.
Heartwarmer
3 eggs, separated 3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup cold water 3 teaspoons vanilla
3 cups milk 3/4 cup brandy
1/3 cup sugar 1 1/2 cups whipping cream
2 1/2 tablespoons finely ground instant coffee
Beat egg yolks. Add instant coffee, sugar, water, vanilla, milk and brandy and blend thoroughly. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until they form soft peaks and gradually fold in 1/3 cup of sugar. Beat again until they form stiff peaks. Fold whipping cream, egg whites and coffee mixture together. Chill before putting into thermos.
Let's Have a Cookie Exchange
Each year prior to Christmas, I organize a pre-season cookie exchange for friends. What initially began as a ladies cookie exchange has now developed into a couple’s cookie exchange with several of the men participating in the cookie making.
A dozen cookies are baked for every person participating in the exchange. For example, if ten people are making cookies, each person brings nine dozen cookies to the exchange (less the dozen for yourself). Each of the dozen cookies are to be wrapped in individual ‘dozen’ packages’. Over the years many of the participants have extended their creative energies to packaging the cookies in containers such as fancy Xmas bags, decorative Christmas tins, velvet bags and ribbons.
The cookie exchange has become an excuse to have an early pre-Christmas get-together (late November or very early December), and is a wonderful way to have a variety of goodies for the holiday season.
There are few rules other than to enjoy ourselves. There are a wide variety of recipes chosen including the usual of mincemeat, shirtbread and butter tarts. Bars are also allowed.
The following are some recipes that have been used for the Cookie Exchange which have proven to be very popular over the years.
Fudge Puddles
½ cup butter softened ½ cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup white sugar ½ cup packed brown sugar
1 egg ½ tsp. Vanilla extract
1 ¼ cups all purpose flour ¾ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt
1 cup milk chocolate chips 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 – 14 oz. Can sweetened condensed milk
¼ tsp vanilla extract ¾ cup pecan halves
Preheat over to 325 degrees. Sift together flour, baking soda and salt.
Cream butter, peanut butter, white sugar and brown sugar. Mix in egg and ½ tsp of vanilla. Sir the flour mixture into the creamed mixture. Shape the dough into balls approximately 1 inch in size. Put each one into one compartment of a mini muffin tin.
For the filling, put the chocolate chips into a double boiler over hot water. Stir in the milk and vanilla and mix well. Make a well in the center of each little ball and bake for 14 to 16 minutes until lightly browned. Then fill each shell with the chocolate mixture and top with a pecan half.
Chocolate Drop Cookies
1 ¼ cups all purpose flour ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder ½ cup margarine
1 cup white sugar 1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract ¼ cup milk
18 large marshmallows
2 cups confectioners sugar 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ tsp salt 3 tablespoons soft margarine
1 ½ tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift together flour, baking soda, salt and cocoa.
In a large bowl cream together margarine and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg then add vanilla and milk. Gradually stir in dry ingredients until well blended. Drop by spoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 8 minutes.
Cut large marshmallows into halves. When cookies come out of the oven, press one piece of marshmallow onto the top of each one. Return cookies to the oven for an additional 2 minutes. Combine confectioners sugar, cocoa and salt. Beat in softened margarine and heavy cream until icing is smooth. Spread onto cooled cookies.
A dozen cookies are baked for every person participating in the exchange. For example, if ten people are making cookies, each person brings nine dozen cookies to the exchange (less the dozen for yourself). Each of the dozen cookies are to be wrapped in individual ‘dozen’ packages’. Over the years many of the participants have extended their creative energies to packaging the cookies in containers such as fancy Xmas bags, decorative Christmas tins, velvet bags and ribbons.
The cookie exchange has become an excuse to have an early pre-Christmas get-together (late November or very early December), and is a wonderful way to have a variety of goodies for the holiday season.
There are few rules other than to enjoy ourselves. There are a wide variety of recipes chosen including the usual of mincemeat, shirtbread and butter tarts. Bars are also allowed.
The following are some recipes that have been used for the Cookie Exchange which have proven to be very popular over the years.
Fudge Puddles
½ cup butter softened ½ cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup white sugar ½ cup packed brown sugar
1 egg ½ tsp. Vanilla extract
1 ¼ cups all purpose flour ¾ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt
1 cup milk chocolate chips 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 – 14 oz. Can sweetened condensed milk
¼ tsp vanilla extract ¾ cup pecan halves
Preheat over to 325 degrees. Sift together flour, baking soda and salt.
Cream butter, peanut butter, white sugar and brown sugar. Mix in egg and ½ tsp of vanilla. Sir the flour mixture into the creamed mixture. Shape the dough into balls approximately 1 inch in size. Put each one into one compartment of a mini muffin tin.
For the filling, put the chocolate chips into a double boiler over hot water. Stir in the milk and vanilla and mix well. Make a well in the center of each little ball and bake for 14 to 16 minutes until lightly browned. Then fill each shell with the chocolate mixture and top with a pecan half.
Chocolate Drop Cookies
1 ¼ cups all purpose flour ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder ½ cup margarine
1 cup white sugar 1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract ¼ cup milk
18 large marshmallows
2 cups confectioners sugar 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ tsp salt 3 tablespoons soft margarine
1 ½ tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift together flour, baking soda, salt and cocoa.
In a large bowl cream together margarine and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg then add vanilla and milk. Gradually stir in dry ingredients until well blended. Drop by spoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 8 minutes.
Cut large marshmallows into halves. When cookies come out of the oven, press one piece of marshmallow onto the top of each one. Return cookies to the oven for an additional 2 minutes. Combine confectioners sugar, cocoa and salt. Beat in softened margarine and heavy cream until icing is smooth. Spread onto cooled cookies.
Decorative Boxes to Make
We recently made toy boxes for several of our family members which were a huge success with all who received them. We made the boxes in two different shapes, a triangle one for the rooms having little space except a corner, and rectangular shaped ones for areas where the boxes could be a functional piece of furniture as well as an accent to the room. (These boxes don't have to be just toy boxes)
Rectangular Boxes
The rectangular boxes measure 24” X 11 1/2” X 15” and were cut out of ½” primed plywood using a table saw. The bottom of the boxes measure 24” X 12” with the lid being cut a little larger so there would be a little bit of an overhang, for appearances only. We assembled the boxes using wood glue and nails, slightly sinking the nails and later filling the holes with filler. After sanding the necessary areas, we painted the base colour of paint on the boxes, using a latex paint. Each box was designed and created to individually suit each family member’s personality and interests and also to match the room where the box was likely to be placed.
Triangle Boxes
The triangle boxes measured 36” X 16” X 16” with the bottoms and lids cut to the same scale. They also were cut out of ½” primed plywood. Each of these boxes were assembled and prepared using the same method as the rectangle boxes described above.
Box No. 1 - Pink Flowered Box
Materials Required:
Latex paint (pale pink) 2” Paint Brush
Latex varnish Flower and leaf stencils
Latex colours for flowers and leaves Wood glue, craft glue, small nails
(rose, mauve/purple and green) Sea sponge
Photocopied picture of child Spray adhesive
2” foam for the lid Material to cover the lid (inside and outside)
1 Self-covered button for tufting the lid Hinges (2)
Stapler, staples and fish line Hammer, screws
The entire box was painted both inside and outside using the pale pink latex paint. When the paint was dry, we stenciled flowers and leaves on the sides and the front, leaving space in the centre of the front of the box for my granddaughter’s picture. We sprayed the back of the picture with a spray adhesive before applying it to the box. We then allowed it to dry before we painted the entire box, including the picture with a latex varnish.
We measured the foam to fit the lid and then glued it to top of the lid. We then covered the foam and lid with the material we had chosen to match the box, stapling the material to the inside of the lid. For the tufting, we covered one self-covered button and using fish line, we pulled it through and stapled the fish line to the inside of the lid. We then glued the same material that we had used to cover the lid to the inside of the lid, covering the staples and completely covering the inside of the lid. We then attached the lid to the box using the two hinges using screws.
Box No. 2 - Dolphin Box
Materials Required:
Latex paint for water, sand and blending Sea sponge
(blue, grey and white) Brushes, 2”, 1” and detail brush
Latex colours for fish and name Wood glue, craft glue, small nails
(grey, black and blue) 2” foam for the lid
Vinyl for dolphins or silver metallic paint Material to cover the lid (inside & out)
Self-covered button for tufting the lid Hinges (2)
Stapler, staples and fish line
Hammer, screws
The inside of the box, as well as the water portion on the upper part of the outside of the box, was painted with a blue latex paint. While the water portion on the outside of the box was still wet, we blended white latex into the blue to give the illusion of water using gentle back and forth brush strokes. The sand portion was painted a light grey and with the sea sponge we used black to sponge on a textured effect. The fish were also painted a light grey and detailed with black, using the detail brush. We used vinyl for the dolphins on the front of the box but a silver metallic paint would work just as well. The bubbles were done by loading one side of a wet brush with blue paint and making a circle with the blue on the outside to form the bubble. The child’s name was painted in blue and highlighted with white paint.
The lid was covered in the same way as the Flowered Box.
Box No. 3 - Triangular Truck Box
Materials Required:
Various latex paints for trees, road, sky, truck and detailing (blue, white, brown, green, grey, black, red, yellow – other colours can be mixed by blending these main colours)
Latex varnish Brushes, 2”, 1” and detail brush
Small photocopied pictures of child Stapler, staples and fish line
Adhesive spray Sea sponge
2 Self-covered buttons for tufting lid Hinges (4)
2” foam for the lid Wood glue, craft glue, small nails
Material to cover the lid (inside & outside)
Hammer, screws
The inside of the box and the sky area on the outside were painted with pale blue latex paint. After the blue paint is dry on the outside of the box, white paint was sponged on to give the effect of clouds in the sky. (Wash sponge out immediately after using). Use light grey for the roadway, the birds and for some of the highlighting on the trees. After the trunks of the trees have been completed and are dry, sponge green on for the foliage. Paint truck on front of box. The sides have been finished similar to the front but instead of a truck, we have added a yellow bus on one side and a police car on the other. The small photocopied pictures of the child are placed in the windows of each of the vehicles using spray adhesive. After these are dry and all detailing is complete, varnish the entire box with a latex varnish.
Since a box with this type of design would be for a small child, the lid was done in two sections to make it easier for the child to lift. Each half of the lid was covered individually but in the same manner as the Flower Box above. Each half of the lid was attached to the box using two hinges and screws.
Box No. 4 – Medieval Box
Materials Required:
Latex paint (terracotta and beige) Sea sponge
Crackle glaze Paint Brush – 2”
Latex varnish Material for outside and inside of lid
Chain (for border around photo) Wood glue, craft glue, small nails
Child’s photocopied picture 2 hinges
Adhesive spray 2” foam for lid
Staple, stapler, fish line Self-covered button for tufting lid
Spray adhesive ¼” masking tape
Wood, approx, 6” x 2” (for name plate) Hammer, screws
The inside and the outside corners of the box were painted with the beige latex. After the paint is dry, use the ¼” masking tape to measure off the size of blocks you wish in the area of the corners. We measured the area to be 3 blocks high. We then painted the area with crackle glaze. After allowing the crackle glaze to dry for approximately one hour, we sponged on the terracotta latex paint, removing the masking tape shortly after to avoid pulling off any paint. After the paint had dried thoroughly, we masked the area we had just painted and did the center area in the terracotta latex paint. When the paint was thoroughly dry, we measured this area, dividing it with the ¼” masking tape, into the height of 4 rows. We then applied crackle glaze to this area and allowed it to set for approximately one hour before sponging on the beige latex paint. This was done on the sides and back of the box as well. We then removed the masking tape in this area. After the paint was completely dry, we sprayed the back of the picture with adhesive latex and placed it on the box. After the picture had dried on the box, we painted the entire outside of the box with the latex varnish. Measure chain to properly fit around the picture and use screws to attach to the box. The name was then painted on the wooden plaque and was attached to the box using wood glue.
Pieces of leather were appliquéd to the same material that I used to cover the inside of the lid of the medieval box. Imitation leather can also be purchased at most fabric stores for a nominal price as well as other materials which would work just as well. The lid was assembled and attached to the box in the same way as the Flower Box.
Box No. 5 – Baby Box
Materials Required:
Textured material for outside of box (white)
Material for inside and outside of lid and balloons (red)
2” foam for lid and around box Wood and craft glue, small nails
Latex paint (white) for inside of box 2 Hinges
2” brush Stapler, staples, fish line
Hammer, screws Self-covered button for tufting
Wood, painted white for baby’s name (6” x 2 ½”)
Trim for upper and lower edges of the box
String for balloons
The inside of the box and the piece of wood for the baby’s name were painted white and allowed to dry. We then measured and cut the 2” foam to fit the sides, front, back and lid of the box. The foam was glued to the outside of box, using craft glue. The textured material was attached to the box with staples and the trim was glued over this area to hide the staples on the top and bottom of the box. I then cut the oval shapes of the balloons from the excess red material and glued three large balloons and three small balloons to appear to be floating through the air on the front of the box. The puckered part of the balloon was done by gathering a running basting stitch through the top, tying off and gluing the top portion to the bottom of the oval portion of the balloon. The string was placed under the gathered portion of the balloon and glued to the white material. A white highlight was painted on the balloons using the white latex paint. We then painted “baby” on the piece of white wood before attaching with craft glue to the front of the box. This box is excellent for storing diapers and small everyday items that are constantly required for a baby.
The lid was then covered and assembled in the same way as the Flower Box.
Rectangular Boxes
The rectangular boxes measure 24” X 11 1/2” X 15” and were cut out of ½” primed plywood using a table saw. The bottom of the boxes measure 24” X 12” with the lid being cut a little larger so there would be a little bit of an overhang, for appearances only. We assembled the boxes using wood glue and nails, slightly sinking the nails and later filling the holes with filler. After sanding the necessary areas, we painted the base colour of paint on the boxes, using a latex paint. Each box was designed and created to individually suit each family member’s personality and interests and also to match the room where the box was likely to be placed.
Triangle Boxes
The triangle boxes measured 36” X 16” X 16” with the bottoms and lids cut to the same scale. They also were cut out of ½” primed plywood. Each of these boxes were assembled and prepared using the same method as the rectangle boxes described above.
Box No. 1 - Pink Flowered Box
Materials Required:
Latex paint (pale pink) 2” Paint Brush
Latex varnish Flower and leaf stencils
Latex colours for flowers and leaves Wood glue, craft glue, small nails
(rose, mauve/purple and green) Sea sponge
Photocopied picture of child Spray adhesive
2” foam for the lid Material to cover the lid (inside and outside)
1 Self-covered button for tufting the lid Hinges (2)
Stapler, staples and fish line Hammer, screws
The entire box was painted both inside and outside using the pale pink latex paint. When the paint was dry, we stenciled flowers and leaves on the sides and the front, leaving space in the centre of the front of the box for my granddaughter’s picture. We sprayed the back of the picture with a spray adhesive before applying it to the box. We then allowed it to dry before we painted the entire box, including the picture with a latex varnish.
We measured the foam to fit the lid and then glued it to top of the lid. We then covered the foam and lid with the material we had chosen to match the box, stapling the material to the inside of the lid. For the tufting, we covered one self-covered button and using fish line, we pulled it through and stapled the fish line to the inside of the lid. We then glued the same material that we had used to cover the lid to the inside of the lid, covering the staples and completely covering the inside of the lid. We then attached the lid to the box using the two hinges using screws.
Box No. 2 - Dolphin Box
Materials Required:
Latex paint for water, sand and blending Sea sponge
(blue, grey and white) Brushes, 2”, 1” and detail brush
Latex colours for fish and name Wood glue, craft glue, small nails
(grey, black and blue) 2” foam for the lid
Vinyl for dolphins or silver metallic paint Material to cover the lid (inside & out)
Self-covered button for tufting the lid Hinges (2)
Stapler, staples and fish line
Hammer, screws
The inside of the box, as well as the water portion on the upper part of the outside of the box, was painted with a blue latex paint. While the water portion on the outside of the box was still wet, we blended white latex into the blue to give the illusion of water using gentle back and forth brush strokes. The sand portion was painted a light grey and with the sea sponge we used black to sponge on a textured effect. The fish were also painted a light grey and detailed with black, using the detail brush. We used vinyl for the dolphins on the front of the box but a silver metallic paint would work just as well. The bubbles were done by loading one side of a wet brush with blue paint and making a circle with the blue on the outside to form the bubble. The child’s name was painted in blue and highlighted with white paint.
The lid was covered in the same way as the Flowered Box.
Box No. 3 - Triangular Truck Box
Materials Required:
Various latex paints for trees, road, sky, truck and detailing (blue, white, brown, green, grey, black, red, yellow – other colours can be mixed by blending these main colours)
Latex varnish Brushes, 2”, 1” and detail brush
Small photocopied pictures of child Stapler, staples and fish line
Adhesive spray Sea sponge
2 Self-covered buttons for tufting lid Hinges (4)
2” foam for the lid Wood glue, craft glue, small nails
Material to cover the lid (inside & outside)
Hammer, screws
The inside of the box and the sky area on the outside were painted with pale blue latex paint. After the blue paint is dry on the outside of the box, white paint was sponged on to give the effect of clouds in the sky. (Wash sponge out immediately after using). Use light grey for the roadway, the birds and for some of the highlighting on the trees. After the trunks of the trees have been completed and are dry, sponge green on for the foliage. Paint truck on front of box. The sides have been finished similar to the front but instead of a truck, we have added a yellow bus on one side and a police car on the other. The small photocopied pictures of the child are placed in the windows of each of the vehicles using spray adhesive. After these are dry and all detailing is complete, varnish the entire box with a latex varnish.
Since a box with this type of design would be for a small child, the lid was done in two sections to make it easier for the child to lift. Each half of the lid was covered individually but in the same manner as the Flower Box above. Each half of the lid was attached to the box using two hinges and screws.
Box No. 4 – Medieval Box
Materials Required:
Latex paint (terracotta and beige) Sea sponge
Crackle glaze Paint Brush – 2”
Latex varnish Material for outside and inside of lid
Chain (for border around photo) Wood glue, craft glue, small nails
Child’s photocopied picture 2 hinges
Adhesive spray 2” foam for lid
Staple, stapler, fish line Self-covered button for tufting lid
Spray adhesive ¼” masking tape
Wood, approx, 6” x 2” (for name plate) Hammer, screws
The inside and the outside corners of the box were painted with the beige latex. After the paint is dry, use the ¼” masking tape to measure off the size of blocks you wish in the area of the corners. We measured the area to be 3 blocks high. We then painted the area with crackle glaze. After allowing the crackle glaze to dry for approximately one hour, we sponged on the terracotta latex paint, removing the masking tape shortly after to avoid pulling off any paint. After the paint had dried thoroughly, we masked the area we had just painted and did the center area in the terracotta latex paint. When the paint was thoroughly dry, we measured this area, dividing it with the ¼” masking tape, into the height of 4 rows. We then applied crackle glaze to this area and allowed it to set for approximately one hour before sponging on the beige latex paint. This was done on the sides and back of the box as well. We then removed the masking tape in this area. After the paint was completely dry, we sprayed the back of the picture with adhesive latex and placed it on the box. After the picture had dried on the box, we painted the entire outside of the box with the latex varnish. Measure chain to properly fit around the picture and use screws to attach to the box. The name was then painted on the wooden plaque and was attached to the box using wood glue.
Pieces of leather were appliquéd to the same material that I used to cover the inside of the lid of the medieval box. Imitation leather can also be purchased at most fabric stores for a nominal price as well as other materials which would work just as well. The lid was assembled and attached to the box in the same way as the Flower Box.
Box No. 5 – Baby Box
Materials Required:
Textured material for outside of box (white)
Material for inside and outside of lid and balloons (red)
2” foam for lid and around box Wood and craft glue, small nails
Latex paint (white) for inside of box 2 Hinges
2” brush Stapler, staples, fish line
Hammer, screws Self-covered button for tufting
Wood, painted white for baby’s name (6” x 2 ½”)
Trim for upper and lower edges of the box
String for balloons
The inside of the box and the piece of wood for the baby’s name were painted white and allowed to dry. We then measured and cut the 2” foam to fit the sides, front, back and lid of the box. The foam was glued to the outside of box, using craft glue. The textured material was attached to the box with staples and the trim was glued over this area to hide the staples on the top and bottom of the box. I then cut the oval shapes of the balloons from the excess red material and glued three large balloons and three small balloons to appear to be floating through the air on the front of the box. The puckered part of the balloon was done by gathering a running basting stitch through the top, tying off and gluing the top portion to the bottom of the oval portion of the balloon. The string was placed under the gathered portion of the balloon and glued to the white material. A white highlight was painted on the balloons using the white latex paint. We then painted “baby” on the piece of white wood before attaching with craft glue to the front of the box. This box is excellent for storing diapers and small everyday items that are constantly required for a baby.
The lid was then covered and assembled in the same way as the Flower Box.
It's A Party
With a large family of five children and seven grandchildren, and being the social people we are, we have many functions and events throughout the year. Included are birthday parties, anniversaries, our monthly ethnic dinner group, our annual cookie exchange event, our pre-Christmas get-together for family and friends and of course, special occasions. This by no means is the sum total of our parties because other ideas reveal themselves to us as the year progresses such as mini-golf tournaments with participants returning to our place, a ‘christen the pond’ party or a housewarming, to name a few of the extra parties we host in a year. One year we held my daughter’s reception in our home. Most of our parties are fairly large which, for many people, would seem to be an intimidating thought but a party can be any size. Entertaining need not be ‘scary’ if your party is planned and well organized with careful thought from its inception. By planning ahead, preparing simple ‘make ahead’ dishes, and having everything in place before the guests arrive, entertaining really can be fun and enjoyable.
DETERMINING THE THEME
What kind of a party do you want to plan? This won’t be difficult if the occasion is a birthday, anniversary, wedding, baby shower or some other special occasion. But if you decide you would like to have a party and would like a theme, there are many ideas. We have planned parties around a certain ethnic food, a car rally, a golf tournament, a murder mystery evening (this one is limited to eight people), a 40th anniversary party of a 21st birthday (we often stretch far to come up with a theme), and Hallowe’en parties. We’ve also had a ‘we’ve got a surprise’ party (but with this you have to come up with a good surprise).
It’s important to decide whether the party will be for adults or will children also be included? It will make a difference when deciding on the food and set-up for the party.
INVITATIONS
Make a decision on how many guests are manageable for the space you have. It’s better to invite fewer rather than more than the space can comfortably accommodate. Space will be determined on whether it will be an outdoor or indoor party? Prepare your guest list. Phone, e-mail or send out invitations at least two weeks ahead of time. Three weeks is preferable, with a request for an R.S.V.P. If it is a ‘bring your own bottle’ type of party, specify on the invitation or else be prepared to have a good selection of beverages.
FOOD
Plan well in advance what type of food you will serve. Make it as easy for yourself as possible so you don’t spend ‘party time’ in the kitchen. I always plan ‘make ahead’ dishes and usually have buffet-style parties so that serving requirements are kept to a minimum. (This type of entertaining, without a doubt, is the easiest). Many dishes can also be frozen well in advance of the party. Occasionally we have ‘pot lucks’ planned as well as some that are volunteered.
Most appetizers also can be done ahead of time. If small children are included in the party, try not to have snacks that will be dropped all over the floor leaving a trail behind them to remind you of Hansel and Gretel in the forest. You will want to have clean-up kept to a minimum as well.
My menu items for informal parties usually include: lasagna, chili, cabbage rolls (all of which can be frozen), and potato salad, various cold salad-type dishes (which can be made a day or two ahead of time), and cold cuts and buns. Appetizers usually include: pate, spinach dip, cream cheese with seafood sauce dip (an extremely easy but popular appetizer), humus, and various chips and nuts, etc. (Most of these, I have to admit, are purchased to cut down on the work involved in preparing and having a party). Occasionally I will have an appetizer that requires heating.
For family or small group sit-down dinners I have had fondues with chicken, beef, European sausages, vegetables, perogies, seafood and assorted dips such as tartar sauce, teriyaki sauce, plum sauce, garlic butter, seafood sauce, etc. Fondues are nice in that all the preparation can be done ahead of time with the guests cooking their own meal. For other sit-down dinners, I have had ham, Swiss steak, turkey, etc., always with a large assortment of vegetables, and potatoes or rice and a dessert or birthday cake.
SET-UP
We use a 4’ X 8’ sheet of plywood (set up in our downstairs family room) covered with a tablecloth and put all the appetizers on this table. Decorations are dependent on what kind of a party it is and the time of the year it is. Candles are always on the table although are placed towards the back if there are small children attending. I usually put appetizers out for the first part of the party and the main dishes such as chili, lasagna, etc. are put out later in the evening. I use paper plates and napkins to cut down on my work (this is not the case for more formal sit-down dinners, of course).
If the party is a birthday, a ‘welcome home’, an engagement party or a shower, we usually put up an appropriate sign with the decorations but this is only our personal preference.
For those special occasions when we have a sit-down dinner, we use several 4’ X 8’ tables put together and can accommodate about 25 or so people. In most cases I try to prepare the dishes ahead of time and heat them at the last minute to be put out on the table with the help of a few extra hands. (This works well with almost all dishes).
In all cases, whether we are having a relatively informal party or a more formal occasion with a sit-down dinner, the tables and chairs, including set-up of the table, and anything else required are always set up well before everyone arrives so that relatively no party preparation will be required after the guests arrive. This keeps the last minute stress of entertaining to minimum.
I rely heavily on lists and find that this is the best way to organize the food, the set up and guest lists. When I make my menu of what I am going to serve, regardless of what kind of party I am planning, when the dish is completed, I put a check beside it and when it goes out on the table, I put a line through it. In this way, nothing will be forgotten. With the guest list, I check off when I’ve sent an invitation and then another check if they are attending or a line through if they are unable to attend.
The following is a sample menu for a non-sit-down Party
Cabbage Rolls
Chili
Rice
Tossed Green Salad
Buns
Dessert or Birthday Cake
(Except for the green salad, this entire menu can be prepared ahead of time)
Sample Menu for a More Formal Sit-Down Occasion
Swiss Steak
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed Yams with Brown Sugar
Cabbage Crunch Salad
Green Peas
Corn
Garlic Bread
Dessert of choice
(Except for the mashed potatoes, this menu can be prepared ahead of time)
Cabbage Crunch Salad (serves 8)
Salad
2 tbsp sesame seeds
½ cup slivered almonds
½ small to medium cabbage, shredded thinly
4 green onion, chopped
Handful of crispy noodles
Dressing
2 tbsp chicken noodle soup mix
½ tsp pepper
1 tsp sugar (or to taste)
¼ cup olive oil
3 tbsp white vinegar
Mix cabbage and onions with dressing, then add almonds and sesame seeds. Crumble noodles on top and serve. (Except for adding noodles to the top of the salad, this is best done a day ahead of time)
Swiss Steak (serves 8)
2 pounds eye of round
½ cup flour
2 tsp salt 2 tsp paprika
2 onions, sliced
1 large can stewed tomatoes
1 large can tomato sauce
½ tsp pepper
Olive oil
Cut meat into pieces, dip into flour seasoned with salt and paprika. Saute onions. Remove onions with slotted spoon, leaving oil in pan. Brown meat, remove from pan. Put remaining seasoned flour into pan, stir. When flour and fat are mixed thoroughly, add boiling water; enough to make some gravy. Add tomatoes and tomato sauce. If too thick, add more water. Pour over meat and onions in a casserole. Bake, tightly covered at 325 degrees or until meat is tender, approximately two hours.
DETERMINING THE THEME
What kind of a party do you want to plan? This won’t be difficult if the occasion is a birthday, anniversary, wedding, baby shower or some other special occasion. But if you decide you would like to have a party and would like a theme, there are many ideas. We have planned parties around a certain ethnic food, a car rally, a golf tournament, a murder mystery evening (this one is limited to eight people), a 40th anniversary party of a 21st birthday (we often stretch far to come up with a theme), and Hallowe’en parties. We’ve also had a ‘we’ve got a surprise’ party (but with this you have to come up with a good surprise).
It’s important to decide whether the party will be for adults or will children also be included? It will make a difference when deciding on the food and set-up for the party.
INVITATIONS
Make a decision on how many guests are manageable for the space you have. It’s better to invite fewer rather than more than the space can comfortably accommodate. Space will be determined on whether it will be an outdoor or indoor party? Prepare your guest list. Phone, e-mail or send out invitations at least two weeks ahead of time. Three weeks is preferable, with a request for an R.S.V.P. If it is a ‘bring your own bottle’ type of party, specify on the invitation or else be prepared to have a good selection of beverages.
FOOD
Plan well in advance what type of food you will serve. Make it as easy for yourself as possible so you don’t spend ‘party time’ in the kitchen. I always plan ‘make ahead’ dishes and usually have buffet-style parties so that serving requirements are kept to a minimum. (This type of entertaining, without a doubt, is the easiest). Many dishes can also be frozen well in advance of the party. Occasionally we have ‘pot lucks’ planned as well as some that are volunteered.
Most appetizers also can be done ahead of time. If small children are included in the party, try not to have snacks that will be dropped all over the floor leaving a trail behind them to remind you of Hansel and Gretel in the forest. You will want to have clean-up kept to a minimum as well.
My menu items for informal parties usually include: lasagna, chili, cabbage rolls (all of which can be frozen), and potato salad, various cold salad-type dishes (which can be made a day or two ahead of time), and cold cuts and buns. Appetizers usually include: pate, spinach dip, cream cheese with seafood sauce dip (an extremely easy but popular appetizer), humus, and various chips and nuts, etc. (Most of these, I have to admit, are purchased to cut down on the work involved in preparing and having a party). Occasionally I will have an appetizer that requires heating.
For family or small group sit-down dinners I have had fondues with chicken, beef, European sausages, vegetables, perogies, seafood and assorted dips such as tartar sauce, teriyaki sauce, plum sauce, garlic butter, seafood sauce, etc. Fondues are nice in that all the preparation can be done ahead of time with the guests cooking their own meal. For other sit-down dinners, I have had ham, Swiss steak, turkey, etc., always with a large assortment of vegetables, and potatoes or rice and a dessert or birthday cake.
SET-UP
We use a 4’ X 8’ sheet of plywood (set up in our downstairs family room) covered with a tablecloth and put all the appetizers on this table. Decorations are dependent on what kind of a party it is and the time of the year it is. Candles are always on the table although are placed towards the back if there are small children attending. I usually put appetizers out for the first part of the party and the main dishes such as chili, lasagna, etc. are put out later in the evening. I use paper plates and napkins to cut down on my work (this is not the case for more formal sit-down dinners, of course).
If the party is a birthday, a ‘welcome home’, an engagement party or a shower, we usually put up an appropriate sign with the decorations but this is only our personal preference.
For those special occasions when we have a sit-down dinner, we use several 4’ X 8’ tables put together and can accommodate about 25 or so people. In most cases I try to prepare the dishes ahead of time and heat them at the last minute to be put out on the table with the help of a few extra hands. (This works well with almost all dishes).
In all cases, whether we are having a relatively informal party or a more formal occasion with a sit-down dinner, the tables and chairs, including set-up of the table, and anything else required are always set up well before everyone arrives so that relatively no party preparation will be required after the guests arrive. This keeps the last minute stress of entertaining to minimum.
I rely heavily on lists and find that this is the best way to organize the food, the set up and guest lists. When I make my menu of what I am going to serve, regardless of what kind of party I am planning, when the dish is completed, I put a check beside it and when it goes out on the table, I put a line through it. In this way, nothing will be forgotten. With the guest list, I check off when I’ve sent an invitation and then another check if they are attending or a line through if they are unable to attend.
The following is a sample menu for a non-sit-down Party
Cabbage Rolls
Chili
Rice
Tossed Green Salad
Buns
Dessert or Birthday Cake
(Except for the green salad, this entire menu can be prepared ahead of time)
Sample Menu for a More Formal Sit-Down Occasion
Swiss Steak
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed Yams with Brown Sugar
Cabbage Crunch Salad
Green Peas
Corn
Garlic Bread
Dessert of choice
(Except for the mashed potatoes, this menu can be prepared ahead of time)
Cabbage Crunch Salad (serves 8)
Salad
2 tbsp sesame seeds
½ cup slivered almonds
½ small to medium cabbage, shredded thinly
4 green onion, chopped
Handful of crispy noodles
Dressing
2 tbsp chicken noodle soup mix
½ tsp pepper
1 tsp sugar (or to taste)
¼ cup olive oil
3 tbsp white vinegar
Mix cabbage and onions with dressing, then add almonds and sesame seeds. Crumble noodles on top and serve. (Except for adding noodles to the top of the salad, this is best done a day ahead of time)
Swiss Steak (serves 8)
2 pounds eye of round
½ cup flour
2 tsp salt 2 tsp paprika
2 onions, sliced
1 large can stewed tomatoes
1 large can tomato sauce
½ tsp pepper
Olive oil
Cut meat into pieces, dip into flour seasoned with salt and paprika. Saute onions. Remove onions with slotted spoon, leaving oil in pan. Brown meat, remove from pan. Put remaining seasoned flour into pan, stir. When flour and fat are mixed thoroughly, add boiling water; enough to make some gravy. Add tomatoes and tomato sauce. If too thick, add more water. Pour over meat and onions in a casserole. Bake, tightly covered at 325 degrees or until meat is tender, approximately two hours.
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