If you're looking for a adorable and inexpensive way to surprise your lover on V-day, we love this idea. Surprise your love, mother, best friend, sister, whomever at work with a basket full of goodies. Then take it to a nearby park to enjoy!
Picnics don't have to just be for summer time. Even in colder parts of the country (ok, maybe not THAT cold), you can bundle up, bring a thermos full of steaming hot soup and enjoy the winter landscape. Luckily, here in Cali, we're looking at 80 degree weather all winter long ;)
We packed our basket with simple, classic elements like prosciutto and swiss baguettes with pepper mayo, pea pesto pasta salad (say that ten times fast), super simple chocolate mousse and herb infused waters. It all sounds super fancy, but this truly is a basket meant for busy people. Promise.
Proscuitto and Swiss Baguette with Pepper Mayo
INGREDIENTS
prosciutto
swiss cheese
baguette
mayo
spicy brown mustard
salt
pepper
lemon wedge
2 tsp olive oil
METHOD
Make a sandwich. Crack some pepper (I like a lot but you can do it according to taste) into a bowl of mayo. Add the lemon wedge and some olive oil and salt to taste. Stir. spread on sandwich. wrap in wax paper, done.
Pea Pesto Pasta Salad
INGREDIENTS
8 oz dry pasta shells prepared according to package
cherry tomatoes, cut in half
8 oz frozen peas, thawed
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
3-4 sprigs of mint, chopped
2-3 tbs olive oil
1 lemon wedge
METHOD
Add all the peas minus one small handful into a food processor along with the garlic, lemon, olive oil, mint and cheese. Blend into a paste. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Put pesto onto hot pasta along with remaining peas and tomatoes. Stir until the cheese melts. put into individual containers. Refrigerate overnight. Done.
Super Simple Chocolate Mousse
INGREDIENTS
one package instant chocolate pudding mix prepared according to package
1/2 tub cool whip, thawed
1 bar dark chocolate, shaved
METHOD
Fold 1/2 tub cool whip into prepared instant pudding until combined. Add to individual serving cups. Sprinkle shaved dark chocolate on top. Serve.
Herb Infused Water
Fill a mason jar with filtered water, Add whole mint leaves and a handful of blueberries (I cut some of the berries in half so they impart their juicy flavor) Seal and refrigerate overnight.
So. Freaking. Easy.
