Friday, September 01, 2006

Let's Have A Family Labor Day Picnic Together!

As I was driving home from work today, I had this really neat idea (at least I thought it was a neat idea). I was thinking that it seems weird that we're not getting together with a ton of relatives for a picnic this weekend. So many of my memories involve the outdoors, lots and lots of food and even more people and fun. So I thought that even though we can't all get together for a Labor Day Picnic like we used too, maybe we can do a long distance picnic together. I figured that between today and Sunday, each of us could post a recipe of a dish that we would bring to a family potluck picnic/bbq. That way the others can add that dish to their actual picnic selection and we can "share" with each other. If there is a "story" behind the dish, you can share that too. Maybe people will even post some pictures of themselves making the different dishes/picnicing etc. Not quite as good as being there, but maybe the next best thing.
Ok, how many of you think I'm crazy and how many think it might be fun?

7 comments:

Gail and Herb said...

We miss all the picnics we use to have too. Everyone is so far apart any more. I always bring my Mac and cheese, and Potato salad when we go any where. Aunt Robin brings her famous cole slaw, and Granny her baked beans and her dump cake.I think Monday is going to be the best day for a picnic, its pouring and real windy here today. Love uncle Herb and Aunt Gail

Cathy said...

I sure do miss Granny's dump cake. Have you ever mentioned a favorite family dish to someone and gotten a strange look at the name? Think about it...Granny's "dump cake", my mom's "green cake", Lando's "closet dump meatloaf"...they are some of the best tasting dishes ever, but the names aren't that picturesque.

Sandi said...

True. I always get a lecture from the people I work with whenever I tell them that my daughter is making "slop" for dinner.

I love the idea of the "virtual picnic." I'm not sure what to bring, though.

Cathy, would you want to get together Monday to share our virtual picnic? I'm working Monday morning in your area anyway... Give me a call and we'll figure out the details.

Cathy said...

Ok, I finally decided what I'm bringing to the virtual picnic...my Gingery Carrot Salad. Everyone enjoyed it so much when I made it for Easter. Here is the recipe: 1 pound carrots (cut diagonally into thin strips), 2 tbs cider vinegar, 1 tbs olive oil, 2 tbs Splenda, 1 clove garlic (grated), 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, 1/8 tsp seasoned salt, 1 dah cayenne pepper and 1/2 cup raisins.
Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add carrots, and continue to boil until just tender (about 2 minutes). Rinse with cold water, drain well, and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, Splenda, and garlic. Season with cumin, cinnamon, ginger, salt and cayenner pepper. Stir in carrots and raisins, and toss with dressing. Cover, and refrigerate at least 4 hours.
Yumm!!!!
Yes, Sandi I am making this for our real picnic also. If there are any leftovers, I'll let you take them home...maybe...
So what else are we having for the virtual picnic?

Sandi said...

After some deliberation with Cathy on the phone last night, we decided that I would do sausage sandwiches today for our barbeque. Here's my recipe (keeping in mind that I've kept it VERY simple, since I have to work this morning!):

1. In a hunting lodge, mix together two terrific guys and one inexperienced boy. Add ammunition as required, and some tall tales to spice things up. Leave alone for at least one weekend. (This is the most difficult stage for moms, as no peeking or interference is allowed.)

2. At the end of the weekend, process resulting boar into sausages. (Please note that the head can also be saved as it can provide great entertainment, as well as serve as a source of pride for the boy.) Any photos should be posted online for everyone to enjoy.

3. Place sausages (amount depends on how many people you are feeding) into crockpot. Add a jar of spagetti sauce. (Yes, I used jar sauce. I warned you I was keeping this very simple!) Add sliced green pepper and onion.

4. Put crockpot on low for at least 4 hours. (On work days, this can be left cooking in the crockpot for as long as 10 hours.)

5. Serve on hoagie rolls.

*Please note that if you are not lucky enough to have access to the appropriate combination of Terrific Guys/Young Boy, you can skip steps 1 and 2. Just substitute mild Italian sausage in step 3.

Cheyenne & Amy said...

Sandi,
Excellent recipe on the sausage sandwiches. Sounds kinda' like my recipe (grin).
Let PJ know that I have a similar recipe that I plan on perfecting in about 10 weeks for venison, and I'd like to show him how the recipe goes. (heh, heh, heh).

Gail and Herb said...

That recipe reminded me of my Italian Hotdogs on a hoagie roll. You can use Sausage too. I precooked potatoes the day before. In olive oil I sauted slices of peppers and onions, then added the potatoes and browned them. I sliced the hotdogs in half long ways and threw them in. I just browned it all together and served in the rolls. My family loved them. I,ll have to make it again, its been a while. Hope you try it!