{"id":158639,"date":"2020-05-26T00:01:21","date_gmt":"2020-05-26T07:01:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=158639"},"modified":"2020-07-20T14:46:33","modified_gmt":"2020-07-20T21:46:33","slug":"forget-pbj-3-easy-recipes-for-a-better-picnic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/recipes\/forget-pbj-3-easy-recipes-for-a-better-picnic","title":{"rendered":"West Elm + REI: 3 Easy Recipes for a Better Picnic"},"content":{"rendered":"

This spring,\u00a0REI Co-op\u00a0and\u00a0West Elm\u00a0<\/a>are partnering on a\u00a0first-ever\u00a0co-curated\u00a0collection<\/a>\u00a0of on-the-go outdoor pieces to help people feel more at home\u00a0outside, from the campsite to your own backyard. As part of our partnership, we\u2019re publishing\u00a0a\u00a0series of guest posts<\/a> from our friends at West Elm. Here, they share three super tasty and totally doable picnic recipes that you can make ahead of time and assemble in the sunshine.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

There\u2019s no better way than to get a little taste of spring than with a picnic. Although your local park may not be an option these days, that doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t have some delicious food al fresco with your family, your partner or solo. A picnic can be in your backyard, in your garden, on your balcony\u2014even in your living room.<\/p>\n

We all know sandwiches, dips and other easy-to-serve items are classic picnic fare, but we\u2019re all about trying something new (but still simple!) to shake things up. On the menu: a\u00a0bright and crunchy citrus salad<\/strong><\/a>, a\u00a0Mexican-inspired chicken bowl<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0with spiced corn and sweet potatoes, and for dessert, a\u00a0berry clafouti<\/strong><\/a>, which is basically the easiest cake-pie hybrid ever. If you can\u2019t get to the market to make the recipes exactly as written, don\u2019t stress. Use whatever you have at hand and swap ingredients as needed (we\u2019ll give some suggestions below, but you can totally wing it). The main idea is to create a nice picnic with whatever you can get your hands on.<\/p>\n

How to Prep, Assemble and Serve This Picnic Menu<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Before you head outside, make sure all your ingredients are chopped, prepped and ready to go. Keep all dressings and other leaky items (such as sliced citrus) separated from the rest\u2014this will keep all the food fresh and crunchy. Pack them up in\u00a0reusable to-go containers<\/a>\u00a0or add them separately to a large platter or bowl so you can mix once you\u2019re ready to eat.<\/p>\n

In terms of dinnerware and serveware, ditch the disposable stuff and opt for reusable outdoor dinnerware instead, like\u00a0this set from West Elm + REI<\/a>. They stack up nicely for easy transport and the colors are so fun. I\u2019m also a fan of bringing actual flatware to a picnic, It feels so much nicer to have a good fork and knife instead of flimsy single-use ones that break when you try to cut a cherry tomato. Here, I used the\u00a0Capri Flatware Set<\/a>\u00a0from West Elm. Real linens are great too; I used the\u00a0Textured Cotton Napkins from West Elm<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You can easily pack this whole menu in one cooler,\u00a0<\/b><\/span>like this one from West Elm + REI<\/a>. This helps keep everything at the right temperature and makes sure everything gets to your destination without a hitch.<\/p>\n

Finally, you\u2019ll need a tablecloth or blanket, and the\u00a0Organic Double-Woven Go Everywhere Blanket from West Elm + REI<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>does the trick. I love that it\u2019s thicker than a thin tablecloth so it gives the setting a bit more structure. Plus, it\u2019s super cute.<\/p>\n

All the recipes are made to be mixed on site, so you just need to either unpack them onto a platter and stir in a dressing, or just plunk it on a plate and you\u2019re good to go. It\u2019s honestly the easiest, Instagramable and drool-worthy picnic ever.<\/p>\n

Once everything is out, take all the photos you want, and just dig in and relax. Lie down, chill, read, snack, eat some more and repeat. And if you share your picnic on social, tag\u00a0<\/span>@westelm<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0@REI<\/a>\u00a0so we can see.<\/p>\n

\"Ingredients\"

Image courtesy of West Elm<\/p><\/div>\n

Super Crunch Citrus Salad<\/h4>\n

So crisp, so crunchy, so refreshing<\/p>\n

Makes 4-6 servings\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Citrus

Image courtesy of West Elm<\/p><\/div>\n

Ingredients:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • 2 oranges, peeled and sliced<\/li>\n
  • 1 blood orange, peeled and sliced (or one more regular orange)<\/li>\n
  • 2 grapefruits, supremed<\/li>\n
  • 2 mangoes, cut into matchsticks<\/li>\n
  • 2 green apples or 1 jicama, cut into matchsticks<\/li>\n
  • \u00bc cup mint, chopped<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    For the dressing:<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • 2 lemons or limes, juiced<\/li>\n
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard<\/li>\n
    • 3 cloves garlic, grated<\/li>\n
    • 1 inch ginger, grated<\/li>\n
    • \u00be cup olive oil<\/li>\n
    • Sea salt to taste<\/li>\n
    • \u00bd cup cilantro<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Directions<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Arrange the fruit on a platter, set aside.<\/li>\n
      2. Add the citrus juice, Dijon, garlic and ginger into a blender or food processor. Pulse to combine. Slowly add the oil while the blender is running. Add the cilantro and pulse until combined. Season with salt to taste.<\/li>\n
      3. Drizzle the dressing over the fruit and serve.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        The Mexi Zen Plate<\/h4>\n

        This recipe serves a crowd, so bring your family outside with you<\/p>\n

        Makes 6 servings<\/em><\/p>\n

        \"Chicken

        Image courtesy of West Elm<\/p><\/div>\n

        Ingredients:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

        For the spiced yams:<\/em><\/p>\n

          \n
        • 2 yams<\/li>\n
        • 2 tablespoons olive oil<\/li>\n
        • 1\u00bd teaspoon smoked paprika<\/li>\n
        • 1 teaspoon garlic powder<\/li>\n
        • 1 teaspoon cumin<\/li>\n
        • \u00bd teaspoon Mexican (or regular) oregano<\/li>\n
        • \u00bd teaspoon sea salt<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          For the roasted corn:<\/em><\/p>\n

            \n
          • 2 cups frozen corn, thawed<\/li>\n
          • \u00bc teaspoon sea salt<\/li>\n
          • \u00bd teaspoon chili powder<\/li>\n
          • 2 green onions<\/li>\n
          • 1 tablespoon oil<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            For the coriander dressing:<\/em><\/p>\n

              \n
            • 1 jalape\u00f1o<\/li>\n
            • 1 cup sour cream<\/li>\n
            • 2 cloves garlic<\/li>\n
            • 1 teaspoon coriander<\/li>\n
            • 1 lime, juiced<\/li>\n
            • Sea salt<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              For the salad:<\/em><\/p>\n

                \n
              • 4 cups salad greens<\/li>\n
              • 3 lbs. chicken (any kind), roasted and sliced<\/li>\n
              • 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes<\/li>\n
              • 2 sliced avocados<\/li>\n
              • \u00bc cup toasted pumpkin seeds or any kind of nut<\/li>\n
              • \u00bc cup chopped cilantro<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                Directions:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                For the spiced yams:<\/em><\/p>\n

                  \n
                1. Preheat the oven to 425\u00b0F.<\/li>\n
                2. Peel the yams and slice into \u00bc-inch half-moons. Toss the yams with oil and spices.<\/li>\n
                3. Arrange the yams on a parchment-lined tray and bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  For the roasted corn:\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

                    \n
                  1. Heat the oil in a heavy bottom frying pan.<\/li>\n
                  2. Add the sliced green onions and spiced and saute until tender.<\/li>\n
                  3. Add the corn and cook\u00a0 for about 10 minutes, or until it starts to brown.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    For the coriander dressing:<\/em><\/p>\n

                      \n
                    1. Puree all the ingredients in a blender.<\/li>\n
                    2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                      To assemble the salad bowl, arrange the lettuce on a platter. Top with sliced chicken, spiced yams, tomatoes and avocado. When ready to serve, drizzle with dressing. Garnish with pumpkin seeds and chopped cilantro.<\/p>\n

                      Berry Clafouti<\/strong><\/h4>\n

                      Silky, sweet and an early ode to spring and summer<\/p>\n

                      Makes 6 servings\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

                      \"Berry

                      Image courtesy of West Elm<\/p><\/div>\n

                      Ingredients<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • 1 cup milk<\/li>\n
                      • \u00bd cup cane sugar<\/li>\n
                      • 3 eggs<\/li>\n
                      • 1\u00bd\u00a0 teaspoon vanilla extract<\/li>\n
                      • Zest of 1 lemon<\/li>\n
                      • 2 tablespoons melted butter<\/li>\n
                      • \u00bd cup flour<\/li>\n
                      • \u00be cup mixed fresh or frozen berries<\/li>\n
                      • Powdered sugar, for garnish<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        Directions:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                          \n
                        1. Preheat the oven to 325\u00b0F.<\/li>\n
                        2. In a bowl whisk together the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, lemon and butter. Add the flour and mix until there are no lumps.<\/li>\n
                        3. Pour the batter into a pie dish and sprinkle with berries. Bake for 40-45 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                          Photography and recipes by Gabriel Cabrera<\/em><\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                          This spring,\u00a0REI Co-op\u00a0and\u00a0West Elm\u00a0are partnering on a\u00a0first-ever\u00a0co-curated\u00a0collection\u00a0of on-the-go outdoor pieces to help people feel more at home\u00a0outside, from the campsite to your own backyard. As part of our partnership, we\u2019re publishing\u00a0a\u00a0series of guest posts from our friends at West Elm. Here, they share three super tasty and totally doable picnic recipes that you can make […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":159518,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1879],"tags":[758,661,2009],"internal-tag":[],"class_list":["post-158639","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-recipes","tag-how-to","tag-recipes","tag-west-elm"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/rei.com\/blog\/recipes\/forget-pbj-3-easy-recipes-for-a-better-picnic","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"West Elm + REI: 3 Easy Recipes for a Better Picnic","url":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/recipes\/forget-pbj-3-easy-recipes-for-a-better-picnic","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/recipes\/forget-pbj-3-easy-recipes-for-a-better-picnic"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/05\/west-elm-REI-23099_hero.jpg?resize=150%2C150","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/05\/west-elm-REI-23099_hero.jpg?fit=2000%2C1000"},"articleSection":"Recipes","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Michelle Flandreau"}],"creator":["Michelle Flandreau"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Uncommon Path \u2013 An REI Co-op Publication","logo":""},"keywords":["how to","recipes","west elm"],"dateCreated":"2020-05-26T07:01:21Z","datePublished":"2020-05-26T07:01:21Z","dateModified":"2020-07-20T21:46:33Z"},"rendered":"