I like to support local markets, so for my family, a Saturday at the farmers market (in season) is a must. A lovely spring crudité board for the outside table is a clean and pink favorite.
VEGGIES: Produce that catches your eye is where to start. Radishes, colored broccoli, carrots, colored tomatoes, pickled green beans, asparagus (see below) and roasted garlic is a crowd pleaser. For fast asparagus and all other veggies cook-blanch-chill or grill. (Asparagus-snap off the woody ends). For grilling dress with EVOO, salt, Pepper and Juice from one lemon. Toss. Let stand 10 minutes. Grill until tender and lightly charred. For the pickled green beans see your local markets already prepared.
CHEESE: Keep it simple, one soft and one hard. So Harvardian or a Brie and Cheddar and Gouda. Definition- hard cheeses (such as Grana-Padano or Parmesan), and semi-hard cheeses (such as Cheddar or Gouda).
DIPS: HUMMUS DIP: Thai Coconut Curry Hummus Puree two 15-ounce cans chickpeas (drained and rinsed) in a food processor with 3/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk, 3 tablespoons red curry paste, the juice of 1 to 2 limes, 2 teaspoons kosher salt and a pinch of cayenne until smooth; season with more salt.
ADD ON and FRUIT: Small Bowls on trey of Olives, Cranberries, Almonds, And Fruit Skewers. (Skewers- Watermelon Balls, Pineapple, Black Berries, Strawberries, Orange wedge.) Kids love them and so do bugs so keep them covered with my favorite Bees Wrap, its environmentally friendly rugged and reusable. Over the years, Clean and Pink has assisted our customers with many backyard picnics. A crudité board is a crowd pleaser that can be simple and elegant. A picnic must- www.beeswrap.com to cover food from pesty bugs.