Make it a Yearly Tradition: Family & Friends Picnic on the Beach

Once a year my family has a picnic on the beach. This serves both as a reunion and event to look forward to each year. As my mother lives in the Hamptons, gatherings on the beach are allowed both day and night. (Check in your area).
For events during the day we wake up very early to be the first at the beach. One person, in one car, transports umbrellas, chairs and blankets to the beach. (Could be more but I am the only one who wakes up!) This is to reserve the perfect spot! In our case, close to a lifeguard for the kids and close to the facilities for everyone. Umbrellas, chairs and blankets dot the space to be reserved until your group arrives. (Spectators may give you funny looks)

Family then begins to arrive.. As this is now a yearly tradition everyone knows exactly what to bring.. Sunscreen, blankets, towels, chairs and umbrellas.. Don't forget the kids tent with SPF protection for naps. Hearthsong has a great one called the Under the Sea cabana. No food as the Hamptonites take care of that. Lunch is always a simple selection of cold cuts and fruit.

The kids spend most of the day frolicking in the water, while family and friends socialize on the sand taking turns with the kids. When not in the water, there's always sand castles, pokemon cards and burying your favorite relatives.

Dinner is where the goodies come in. For those of you Long Islanders who are familiar with Cromer's chicken and Brieremere pies, you will know they are quickly consumed. In addition, there are a few home-made treats. For those of you not familiar with my confections I have added a few pictures of some choices for all ages: Rainbow cake and Cake Truffles (some call them cake balls; recipe below).

The group slowly dwindles as kids are taken home for bed. However there are always the few stragglers who sit around to watch the sun set with a glass of wine.

As time goes on, you always say.. I should spent more time with my family and friends, I haven't seen Aunt Hilda in ages. Starting a simple tradition creates fabulous memories and an event to look forward to for years to come.

Cake Truffles

1. Bake a cake - Follow the directions on the box - Any flavor; use your imagination.
2. Take the cake out of the oven and place it in a bowl.
3. Crumble the cake either with your hands or a mixer to small crumbs.
4. Mix in a container of frosting (3/4 to full container) - Any flavor, but make sure it goes with the cake flavor! Should stick together
5. Chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.
6. Create balls the size of quarters either by hand or using a melon baller (although the melon baller doesn't work that well for me)
7. Place on parchment paper on cookie trays and put in the freezer for around six hours.
8. Take a dozen or so out at a time and dip into melted chocolate. I get the melting wafers. This way you can choose the color and flavor. Works best if you use a dipping fork or toothpicks.
9. Place back on the parchment paper and cookie tray to cool.
10. You can decorate with sprinkles or cookie crumbs. Use your imagination. (again) Just make sure you decorate before the chocolate sets!

You will hear oohs of wow and yum.. Comments such as: What are these?!?! They are soo good!

NOTE: Just remember to either keep them in the cooler or have someone bring them out during a later food run.
Chocolate melts when in direct sunlight!

Have fun!