For my birthday this year my mom managed to track down my dream picnic basket which I had been unable to find anywhere. All I could find were coolers or backpacks that had some cutlery and plates inside but I wanted an actual basket lined with fabric and a matching picnic blanket. Thank goodness for my mom and her impressive gift-finding skills because I had given up on looking.
Is it wrong to be in love with a wicker basket? Look at the tiny salt and pepper shakers!
I'd been waiting since March to be able to use my basket and finally this weekend it was the perfect picnic weather.
In the morning I baked pain a l'ancienne baguettes which are baguettes made from a dough that uses cold water and is left to rise in the fridge overnight. They are rustic looking because the dough is fairly fragile and is just stretched into a rough baguette shape instead of properly shaped like other doughs.
I also glazed a lemon pound cake, mixed up some potato salad, and then loaded up the basket with the cake, strawberries, baguettes, cheese, and some drinks...
..and we headed over to a park on the Bow River that is quite close to our house.
What is it about sitting outside in the shade of a tree that makes food taste so much better??
I was very happy with how the baguettes turned out. Slightly chewy with a crispy crust and lots of yummy baguette flavor.
Plus we had delicious cheese to spread on them. St.Andres, Brie, and some blue cheese and honey. If you haven't tried blue cheese and honey together then you're missing out on the most perfect sweet and savory combination on earth.
Brie and jam is another good combination. Especially if it's homemade rhubarb and lemon jam
I could go on and on about cheese combinations: St.Andres slightly melted on baguette with a basil leaf, sundried tomatoes diced and spread then covered with the brie.. etc etc.
Cheese is delicious.
It wouldn't be a picnic without some potato salad. My new favorite recipe is this creamy herb and lemon potato salad from epicurious. Even though it has mayo (I use half mayo and half greek yogurt) in the dressing it ends up being light and tangy because the potatoes are tossed with vinegar, salt, and pepper before being dressed with the mayo, herbs, and lemon zest.
We finished up the meal with the lemon pound cake smothered in these strawberries that I had tossed with sugar, lemon zest, and cointreau and let soak overnight in their juices.
..and then I had more potato salad.
and a little bit more cheese.
People were floating down in the river in kayaks and inflatable rafts and it was just one of those perfect summer days that you dream about through the nine million months of Albertan winter we have each year.
I'll be posting the recipes for the baguettes and lemon pound cakes soon because I highly recommend packing them up in a basket and heading outside before winter suddenly decides to return unwelcome and unannounced.
Wow, that a sexy looking picnic basket. I want one of those. The food looks heavenly. I'm definitely going to go on a picnic ones of these days soon.
Posted by: Darina | 07/03/2011 at 02:29 PM
What a wonderful blog! I'm adding you to my reader and just pinned your Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream to my pinterest page (with a link back to you)!
Posted by: Stephanie | 07/03/2011 at 05:20 PM
I love the picnic basket. How wonderful that your mom kept looking for it until she found the one you wanted. The food looks so good and your photos are terrific.
Posted by: Tjsmetana | 07/04/2011 at 09:33 AM
What a perfect way to spend a day. All your nosh looks incredibly tasty. Definitely worthy of such a cool picnic basket. I haven't picnicked in years. But you've inspired me to change that. Thank you!
Posted by: Rigel_p | 07/04/2011 at 10:17 AM
Ohhhh I am soooo jealous. I want to go on a picnic near a river! With that food! That basket is awesome too, what a great find!
Posted by: DK | 07/04/2011 at 06:52 PM
Love that basket, it's just perfect! I'm going to try the potato salad recipe, thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Lindy | 07/05/2011 at 03:58 AM
You make me want to pack a picnic right now. That basket is seriously awesome!
Posted by: kristin | 07/05/2011 at 08:43 AM
Oh my gosh, I love your picnic basket!!! I've been looking for one for months now! Ooh, and I'd definitely go with you on a picnic because you pack such amazing food!
Posted by: Studio MME | 07/05/2011 at 01:56 PM
If this post were any more charming I think my head would literally explode.
Looks like you had a *fabulous* picnic, and I am incredibly jealous. Delicious food, gorgeous scenery, and the world's most perfect picnic basket - as my father says, "I wonder what the rich people are doing?"
Also, feel free to send me any leftovers. >.>
Posted by: Mary at n00bcakes | 07/06/2011 at 07:31 AM
Picnicing - the great summer joy! What a cool basket ( and a nice mom to find it) - those salt and pepper shakers are just too adorable.
Happy summer!
-E
Posted by: yummy supper | 07/06/2011 at 07:32 AM
Great post !! love the food choices with the baguettes, which ,by the way look outstanding! great job!
Posted by: Jim Biscardi | 07/06/2011 at 01:15 PM
What a beautiful combination of food! I'm so impressed by those baguettes. And the picnic basket--It looks like my dream picnic basket too!
Posted by: Katie | 07/06/2011 at 02:18 PM
What a fabulous picnic! It looks like you had a wonderful lunch.
Posted by: Adashofdomestic.wordpress.com | 07/07/2011 at 08:32 PM
Yup, that is pretty much my dream picnic basket. And baguettes and cheese and strawberries are really all I need for the perfect meal -- am going to have to try out those flavor combinations!
Posted by: Lilie | 07/07/2011 at 09:08 PM
Love that picnic basket, it reminds me of one my parents used to own when I was little.
Sounds like a beautiful way to spend the day, I wish I lived closer to the river when it's sunny here.
Posted by: Maggie Muggins | 07/08/2011 at 09:31 AM
Love your pics! That looks amazing. Can't wait for the recipes - I definitely want to make those baguettes. Mmm, cheese...
Posted by: erin | 07/09/2011 at 10:38 PM
It looks like a perfect day! God Brie with everything is delicious!!! YUM! I love that even the glasses have their wn little safety harnesses : )
Posted by: Patty | 07/12/2011 at 05:39 PM
That is a darling picnic basket! I have a similar one and just love it! Looks like the perfect day and the perfect picnic. I gotta try to make that potato salad...it looks divine:)
Posted by: Marisa | 07/16/2011 at 08:14 AM
Very cool idea. I think I will have to try this one. I just love the "It's the Little Things" line. Thanks!
Posted by: Herve Leger | 02/17/2012 at 07:08 PM
I was googling for things to perk me up on a dreary winter day. Everything about this post makes me very happy. Thanks!
Posted by: Kathy | 02/01/2013 at 09:06 AM
Where can I get one of these baskets, please?
Posted by: Steve Crowther | 03/06/2013 at 10:59 AM
I love the picnic bag as well the food inside it, the list is good I wanna try it.
Posted by: Ruby Tuesday Coupons | 11/18/2013 at 07:41 PM