Pasta salad for a lot of people means mayonnaise. For me, that doesn’t always work well. I like going on picnics and I don’t want to have to worry about keeping my pasta salad cold (not to mention that it tastes better when it isn’t too cold). So this one has a Vinaigrette instead, which matches well with the artichoke hearts too.
So, springtime and the first real weekend sunny weekend of the Spring and I decided to go for a picnic. But instead of making a sandwich, I decided to go with these hand pies and a bunch of salads. I really like hand pies, as they are an “enclosed” sandwich of sort. Or a mini-pot pie without a serving dish. Either way, delicious.
My family makes a lot of Easter Eggs. I means dozens upon dozens. Maybe it is the nostalgia of using the coloring kits, but it’s something that my mum and I always do. And I do like eggs (well, some eggs — not much for the soft-boiled kind) but after a couple of days and a few dozen eggs, eggs get a little boring. Enter deviled eggs. I *love* deviled eggs of any sort. I think that on my site I have at least a dozen variations (appropriate, eh?). This yeah, I decided to go with the smoked salmon and dill variation. Great addition to a picnic or brunch menu (ok, it’s a little to early to be picnicking in New England, but bookmark this for later in the year or something).
While I am throwing M&Ms into treats, I thought I would make some “Don’t Call it Chex” Snack Mix. It is Chex Mix though. But yummier, imo, than your standard stuff. The honey and Worcestershire sauce give it a nice tangy sweetness. The almonds and peanut M&Ms a nutty crunch. Great for nibbling. Obviously I used the springtime / Easter M&Ms, given the season, but go for the regular colors the rest of the year.
One of the great things about late summer and early autumn in my foodie world is figs. I get giddy for those figgies! And, to make them last longer, I often make jam out of figs, which can be used for both sweet or savory things, added to stews or even stir fries, but don’t count out making Fig Newtons! This year, I’ve made two sorts: Cardamom Fig and Orange Fig. Distinctly different but equally lovely.