HOLIDAYS
HOLIDAYS
Berries invoke fond summer memories. Whip up a mixed berry cobbler for a summer party or picnic.
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter or lard
- 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1 1/2 cups fresh blackberries
- 1 Cup fresh huckleberries, or raspberries
- 1 Cup sugar
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 Teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons whiskey
- 1 recipe Sweet Biscuit Mix, recipe follows
- 3/4 Cup water
- Confectioners' sugar, for garnish
- Sweetened Cream, for accompaniment
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375 F.
- Place the butter or lard in a small, round cast iron Dutch or camp oven (5 to 6 quarts), or large cast iron skillet and place over the grill or in the oven to melt. Remove from the heat.
- In a bowl, toss the fruit with the sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and zest, and whiskey. Let sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine the Biscuit Mix with the water and mix until just combined.
- Pat out the dough into a large round and place in the bottom and up the sides of the pot or skillet.
- Spoon the fruit mixture over the dough and cover with any juices.
- Place in the oven and bake until the dough is golden brown and risen, and the fruit is bubbly, 30 to 40 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
- Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar and drizzle with ice cream, if desired.
Sweet biscuits make for a great snack or dessert and will transport well to a picnic or barbeque.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 Cup sugar
- 1/4 Cup plus 1
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 3/4 Teaspoon salt
- 1/2 Cup vegetable shortening or lard
Steps
- Combine all the ingredients except the shortening in a bowl.
- Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
- Place in an airtight container and store in a cool place.
Berry-Filled Milk Spongecake goes great with Berry Buttercream Frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 4 eggs
- 1 Cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
Steps
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Combine flour and baking powder
- In a bowl, beat eggs on high speed about 4 minutes, or til thick.
- Gradually add sugar; beat at medium speed for 4 to 5 minutes or until light and fluffy.
- Add flour mixture, beat at low to medium speed until just combined.
- In a saucepan, heat and stir milk and margarine until margarine melts; add to batter, beating until combined.
- Pour into 2 greased 9 x9 x 2 inch baking pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool
- Transfer one layer onto a serving dish and cover in berry buttercream frosting.
- Add second layer on top and cover the rest of the cake with the frosting.
- Refrigerate for a few hours.
- Expert Tip: If you like to serve cake at room temperature, remove it from the fridge just before you go to dinner. It will be ready to go when you return!
Berry Buttercream Frosting is perfect for frosting a berry cake.
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup shortening
- 1/2 Cup real butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract
- 1 dash salt (optional)
- 5 cups confectioners' sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1.5 cups fresh blackberries
- 1.5 cups coarsely chopped fresh strawberries
Steps
- Cream butter and shortening, then add vanilla.
- Add sugar a cup at a time beating on medium speed.
- Add milk 1 Tbls. at a time and beat on high until completely blended.
- TIP: To cut the sweetness I usually sprinkle some salt in the vanilla (so it will dissolve) before proceeding with recipe as instructed.
- Divide the frosting in half and fold in the blackberries and strawberries on the half you'll use to frost between the cake layers.
More Picnic Ideas
Who says Picnics Can't Be Gourmet?
Plan your party with the best-looking invitations on the web!
We've searched across the country (boy, are we exhausted) to bring you the crème de la crème of summer festivals! Take a break, and enjoy! Thank us later.
Southern California
Festival of the Arts / Pageant of the Masters
Laguna Beach, CA
Festival del Sole
Napa Valley, CA
Maine Lobster Festival
Rockland,ME
Festival of the Arts / Pageant of the Masters
Laguna Beach, CA
- What: 2008 marked the 75th anniversary for the Festival of the Arts,California's premiere arts festival. The biggest draw over the summer-long festival is the Pageant of the Masters, a nightly 90-minute performance featuring actors posing to recreate 20 original artistic masterpieces, accompanied by an orchestra.
- Where: 650 Laguna Canyon Road, LagunaBeach, CA 92651
- When: Check their website for times.
- Online: http://foapom.com/
- Expert Tip: If you buy tickets for Pageant of the Masters, you have unlimitedfree admission to the festival.
Festival del Sole
Napa Valley, CA
- What: A ten-day culture-fest packedwith world-class international musicians, celebrity chefs, fine wines and cheeses.
- Where: California's Beautiful Napa Valley. Concerts are held at the Lincoln Theater, Castello di Amorosa and Robert Mondavi Winery.
- When: Usually around July 12-20. Check website (below) for details.
- Online: http://www.festivaldelsole.com/napavalley/main.html
- Expert Tip: Although most performances require expensive tickets, the Festival is holding a free outdoor concert on July 4th.
Maine Lobster Festival
Rockland,ME
- What: If you love lobster, you won't want to miss this festivaldedicated to celebrating Maine'sfavorite crustacean. There's alsoplenty of art exhibits and musical performances.
- Where: Harbor Park, 275 Main St, Rockland, Maine 04841
- When: Around July 30 - August 5, check the website (below) for details.
- Online: http://www.mainelobsterfestival.com/
Star Chef Picnic
Recipes
Recipes
The Great
All-American Picnic:
The South
All-American Picnic:
The South
5 Cheap Picnic Ideas
