Hi, I'm Helen. I share easy, nutritious, seasonal, flexitarian recipes, often with a British-Jewish twist. Expect a weekly dose of delicious dinner ideas, news and positivity!
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It's picnic season!
Published 6 months agoΒ β’Β 3 min read
Hello there my friend!
What a week we have ahead of us! Monday is the early May Bank Holiday, and Tuesday is Lag B'Omer - the 33rd day of the Omer, the seven week period between Pesach and Shavuot.
Although we typically avoid parties, music, and other celebrations during the Omer, Lag B'Omer provides a welcome break. One traditional activity on this day is lighting bonfires, so foods cooked over fire, or on a barbecue, have become a popular custom. Falling as it does in late Spring/early Summer, I always think that Lag B'Omer heralds the start of 'barbecue season' here in the UK.
So I'm thinking Bank Holiday picnic on Monday, Lag B'Omer BBQ on Tuesday. Who's with me?! Fingers crossed for good weather... π€
I've gathered some of my favourite picnic and barbecue recipes to share with you below. Whether you do one or the other or both, I hope the weather is kind to us, and this week heralds a gorgeous summer of al fresco meals, fresh air and sunshine!
βSmoked mackerel pateβ I first made this for a bank holiday picnic a few years ago! It's quick and easy, and great on sandwiches, or scooped up with crisps or crudites.
βZesty tuna pasta saladβ Fresh, summery, and ready to eat in 15 minutes! Pack this delicious tuna pasta into a picnic box and you're all set.
βStuffed eggs with olivesβ Hard-boiled eggs, sometimes dyed in bright colours, are a traditional Lag B'Omer food. Make them special with this scrumptious olive stuffing. Fabulous finger food!
βMoist and delicious carob cupcakesβ Carob is associated with Lag B'Omer due to the legend of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, who lived on dates and carobs while in hiding from the Romans. These cupcakes highlight carob's unique sweet, floral and nutty flavour and are the perfect treat to end your al fresco meal.
If you need more ideas or guidance, take a look at this guide to packing the perfect picnic. It has everything you might require including menu suggestions and a helpful checklist so nothing gets forgotten.
For barbecues:
βUltimate Meat-free Barbecueβ Including over 60 recipes for everything from starters, mains, salads, sauces and puds, you certainly won't miss the meat.
βGrilled vegetable salad with olive dressingβ A combination of warm-from-the-BBQ grilled veggies with sweet tomatoes, crisp cucumbers and fresh salad leaves, all layered with a delicious black-olive dressing. So good!
βCitrus-herb salmon skewersβ Zesty and delicious, these tasty skewers are a delicious way to cook fish on the barbecue. (Or just pop them under the grill!)
βSmokey barbecue potatoes in foilβ If you want a change from bread or potato salad at the BBQ, these deliciously fragrant, soft and savoury foil packet potatoes are the answer.
βGrilled pineapple with coconut rumβ This is our favourite barbecue dessert! Fresh pineapple caramelises to rich, gorgeous sweetness on the grill. Then add a splash of coconut rum for a simple, tropical treat.
Now that we have long Shabbat afternoons, it's great to have time for a relaxing walk, to chill with a good book, or just to laze in the garden (or on the sofa!) and slow down for a while.
Whatever you get up to, here's wishing you and yours a Good Shabbos - Shabbat Shalom - and a great week ahead. May it be filled with sunshine and blessings of health, happiness, peace and all good things for everyone.
With love, Helen x.
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Hi, I'm Helen. I share easy, nutritious, seasonal, flexitarian recipes, often with a British-Jewish twist. Expect a weekly dose of delicious dinner ideas, news and positivity!
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