Throw an Indoor Picnic

By DeDe Hausmann

It?s that time of year when we never know what the weather will bring.  Sure it?s October but this is Indiana and anything goes!!!  Let?s say you haven?t had your fill of picnics over the spring/summer and you?d love another one but a thunder-boomer or chilly weather is what you have.  Don?t worry–throw an INDOOR PICNIC!!!

With the kitchen close at hand, meal prep/transportation is a cinch.  Here are some easy but nutritious and tasty recipes to try.

1)      Pita Pockets: Take whole grain pitas, cut in half, spread a thin layer of plain yogurt/dill weed mixture on the interior and stuff each pocket with thin slices of left-over chicken or other meats, thin slices of cucumbers or zucchini, shredded carrots, grape tomatoes halves and shredded Cheddar or Colby cheese.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.  To make the flavors come alive, heat for just a little in the microwave before serving.

2)      Mediterranean Salad: Combine dark leafy greens with baby spinach in a salad spinner and rinse/spin well.  Add tomato chunks, olive halves, drained garbanzo beans (chick peas), crumbled Feta cheese and toss well.  Serve with Balsamic dressing and munch on hearty wheat crackers (I love Rosemary and Olive Oil Triscuits).

3)      Pasta Salad: Cook whole grain or spinach pasta until a la dente, drain well, toss with diced cooked meat along with fresh chopped or diced vegetables (broccoli flowerets, colorful peppers, green onion bits, cherry tomatoes, etc.), add some sliced green olives and toss with a cucumber or ranch dressing OR mix plain yogurt with a little spicy mustard and toss into the pasta mixture.  For a special treat, add some minced fresh basil and toss well again.

4)      Fruit Salad:  Take a couple of diced Fuji or Gala apples and add the following: 2 cups of red seedless grapes, 2 diced pears, and ½ cup pecan or walnut chunky pieces.   Add 1- 1 ½  cups of fat-free vanilla yogurt and 1/4- 1/2  t. each of  nutmeg and cinnamon and fold into the salad.  Chill before serving.

For a dessert idea, how about homemade Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies?!  You get scrumptious taste with great nutrition (FIBER) to boot, so what can be better?!

OK?you?ve got your menu planned.  How about some suggestions to make your INDOOR PICNIC the Event of the Year?

1)      Choose a room that has loads of space, as in a living or family room.

2)      Spread a large blanket or quilt on the floor.

3)      Turn on all the lights in the room and pretend the sun is shining brightly.

4)      Put on some beach music and dress in shorts and sandals and don?t forget those sunglasses!!

5)      Make some icy cold Lemonade or Sun Tea (just add tea bags to boiling water, let steep for a few minutes, add loads of ice and lemon juice and you are set).

Spread out your picnic delicacies and enjoy your tasty and nutritious meal.  Who said great picnics had to be outdoors?