Every summer, here in Southern California, various cities offer free concerts in the park. I have been to them in a few different cities. My sisters go nearly every week. People bring food or buy it there and hang out on the grass- picnic style and mingle and listen to different bands. I like to join my sisters when I have the time. We all like to cook to some degree or another and bring things to share.
Trader Joe's had this interesting yogurt dip with cilantro and chives that I had purchased. I also got some Brie. So I marinated some chicken (seen in the first photo) with fresh squeezed lemon, olive oil, garlic, oregano from my garden and about a 1/2 cup V-8 juice! Listen V-8 juice is great for so many things. Drink it straight for a quick veggie boost. Add your tobasco and lime and vodka etc. for a late morning cocktail with friends. But I think it can add nice flavor to a marinade for chicken or steak too. I also like use it to thin down a thick marinara sauce or to get the tomato sauce to go a little further when there isn't much left. It's a nice way to add a few "sneaky" vitamins for the kids that way too! Not that I'm a Jessica Seinfeld or anything.
While the chicken marinated, I took a shower and got ready. I packed up the car and the dry things like napkins, forks etc.... Then I grilled the chicken and some par-baked bread brushed with olive oil from Trader Joes.
The bread was crisp and delicious! I put it in a paper bag so it wouldn't get soggy.
I wrapped the chicken immediately in foil and finished packing our cooler and we were off!The chicken was still hot when I arrived. It tasted wonderfully with the yogurt dip and toasts. And went well with my sisters hummus too! I also brought some cherry tomatoes and the brie of course and don't forget the vino!
I wish I had pics of our spread but seriously with a playground only feet away, I didn't have many moments to sit, relax, taste and sip before running after my very very active 2 year old! Maybe I'll get some more photos next week!
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5 comments:
Girl, you have a GIFT. You can make anything look delicious. Wow, that sounds so lovely. Yum. O.
Thank you Mamageek! I appreciate it!
And I love the details - like the order you did things in as you prepared and what you wrapped everything in. So helpful, but not often thought of as important.
This is a great idea for a picnik in the park, we have a place we go to in Chicago called Ravinia,its goumet picniking on the lawn, and each year we have a big group go and we all bring food, I'm always looking for new ideas. Aug 23rd we are going for Tony Bennett.
Sherry- Glad you liked it. It is helpful to know the order of preparations!
Proud Italian- Tony Bennett!!! Now that is very cool!!
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