{"id":7146,"date":"2017-03-31T06:00:43","date_gmt":"2017-03-31T10:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.elfster.com\/?p=7146"},"modified":"2023-02-10T14:02:51","modified_gmt":"2023-02-10T19:02:51","slug":"spring-fresh-picnic-party-food-ideas-and-inspirations-for-the-first-outdoor-gathering-of-the-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/2017\/03\/31\/spring-fresh-picnic-party-food-ideas-and-inspirations-for-the-first-outdoor-gathering-of-the-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Spring Fresh Picnic Party Food Ideas and Inspirations for Your First Outdoor Gathering"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cThe Earth Laughs in Flowers.\u201d – Ralph Waldo Emerson<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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A picnic party extravaganza | Image courtesy Unsplash user Sasha Zvereva<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When spring comes, promising sunshine in the skies and the budding of fresh flowers in the garden, I am exuberant. There\u2019s a magical aura surrounding the first season that comes after the chill of winter. Warm soups are replaced with salads. Fresh fruit and vibrant vegetables flourish at the farmers\u2019 market. And folks gather together to eat outdoors and celebrate the invigoratingly magical spell of the <\/span>equinox with spring parties of all sorts<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the blossoms bloom and the garden becomes green and lush, I love to round up my friends and family to throw a picnic foodie party outdoors. I keep the menu simple, fresh and colorful\u2014the perfect items for dining alfresco with a glass of something bubbly. <\/span><\/p>\n

In my southern California surroundings, the scents of fresh lavender and plumeria flowers waft through the air, carrying the hums of laughter, and I\u2019m reminded of the power of simply sharing a meal with the ones you love, <\/span>a gift from the bounty of spring<\/span><\/a>. Between Caprese boats, cucumber salad, grilled prosciutto e melone, avocado deviled eggs, and a refreshing dessert of lemon bars, your guests will be sure to picnic-dine underneath the sun with happy souls and happy taste buds. Read on, to get your springtime picnic party on. <\/span><\/p>\n

Sail into Spring with Caprese Boats<\/h4>\n

I love making Caprese boats on idle weekday spring evenings\u2014or for a weekend crowd! Between the colors of the tomato, the balls of fresh mozzarella cheese, and the basil that holds it all together, it\u2019s a twist on a traditional Caprese salad, simple to create and sure to stir up a reaction\u2014a picnic favorite in boat form. <\/span><\/p>\n

My real secret to making this dish sublime is fresh black pepper, sea salt, <\/span>quality olive oil<\/span><\/a>, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction. This classic combination is what gives it that ever-so-fresh feel of springtime. The recipe below serves 4. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Sail into spring with Caprese boats | Image courtesy Bay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Ingredients:<\/b><\/p>\n