Hello there my friend!

Today is Yom Ha'Atzmaut - Israel's Independence Day. Happy 77th birthday to the modern State of Israel! 🇮🇱🍾🎉

And if that wasn't enough, this weekend is the early May bank holiday, so Monday is a day off (in the UK). Will you be taking advantage of this extra time? Hopefully the weather will be kind and we'll be able to get outdoors for some fresh air, sunshine, and of course a picnic!

I've drawn on years of accumulated picnic wisdom to create this guide to the perfect picnic. With a handy checklist of exactly what you'll need, plus delicious picnic menu suggestions, I hope you'll find it helpful.

Below I've also gathered some of my favourite recipes for Springtime al fresco dining - so even if you don't go 'full picnic', you can still enjoy a relaxed meal in the garden.

I hope you have a wonderful few days!

Delicious dishes to enjoy in the fresh air

As the days start getting a little warmer, eating outside on the patio is a delight. But that doesn't mean you don't want something hot and filling! Here are some favourite 'between seasons' meals that are both fresh and warming.

• ​Courgette and potato Spanish omelette (tortilla)​
  ​Use up leftover potatoes with eggs and savoury courgettes in this delightfully simple but delicious dish.
• ​Homemade pizza with pesto, mushrooms and asparagus​
  Use the new season's asparagus in this tasty homemade pizza - so easy, and so much better than shop bought!
• ​Greek potatoes with lemon and garlic​
  One of my favourite ways with potatoes, and somehow even more delicious when eaten outdoors. (Especially if you use your fingers to eat them 😲)
• ​Salmon with sun-dried tomatoes​
  This salmon is so much more than its 3 ingredients would suggest! It never fails to impress - and it's wonderful with the Greek potatoes ⬆
• ​Fish pie pasta bake
  ​A real family favourite dinner, this tasty dish combines the best parts of a fish pie with the golden cheesy topping of a pasta bake. So good!
• ​Vegetable and feta quesadillas​
  Perfectly seasoned sautéed veggies and salty feta cheese crumbles are wonderful inside a toasty tortilla wrap.
• ​Warm quinoa salad with garlic mushrooms​
  Nutty quinoa, with crisp leaves, creamy avocado, and warm garlic mushrooms, makes a nutritious vegan Springtime supper.
• ​Healthier fruit crumble​
  Nothing says "English Summer" like a hot pudding, right? LOL! This one's packed with fruit under a nutty, spicy and sweet, better-for-you crumble topping.

Shabbat Shalom

The new Jewish month of Iyar has just begun, and today is the first of May, so here's wishing Chodesh Tov - a Good Month! - to everyone.

And of course, wishing you and yours a Good Shabbos - Shabbat Shalom - and a great week ahead.

May the new month(s) bring us peace, happiness, and many blessings.

With love, Helen x.

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