This summer why settle for a traditional picnic when you could take your guests on a trip to another part of the world. Getting ready to plan a diverse picnic entails a couple simple steps. First, decide where you want to take your guests, Mexico, Asian Pacific, Italy, perhaps Greece. Once you have decided that, it’s time to create your menu. For this article we will explore the Greek culture. Hop onto the internet and Google or email me @ foodieinyou@gmail.com about your choice. Now’s the time to do a little bit of research, the culture, traditions, and heritage (Your guests will really appreciate the effort, and the wealth of knowledge you can share).
Greece is one of the oldest known civilizations, the land of the Gods. The cuisine… it’s heavenly. In Ancient Greece, they believed in indulging in only the most divine feasts, created by the finest ingredients around. Taking a closer look we find flavors such as: olives, cheese, oregano, mint, garlic, onion, and citrus, which are prepared for dishes that feature pork, lamb, fish, potatoes, and eggplant. Now, I am not asking you to cook a lamb or a pig on a spit in your back yard, which can be very time consuming, but what we can create from these ingredients will b
e a refreshing and exciting change for all of your guests! Appetizers:
Cheese olive and Grape leave platter
Spanakopita (spinach & feta cheese phyllo dough)
Main Dishes:
Souvlaki: grilled meat & vegetable skewers marinated in olive oil, lemon, oregano, salt and pepper
Grilled marinated shrimp with lemon, garlic, onion, mint, and bay leaves
Side dishes:
Greek Salad- A mixture of fresh tomatoes, onion, cucumber or zucchini, kalamata olives, and feta cheese paired with a Citrus and herb vinaigrette
Fruit salad- Diced grapes, pears, plums, and oranges with a pomegranate honey sauce
Beverages:
Wine and beer are the staple libations in Greek heritage dating back to BC, when they would ferment grapes and grains to create alcoholic beverages.
With these dishes, make sure to have a variety of olive and cheese platters, tzatziki (a yogurt and cucumber dip), and loads of pita bread slightly charred on the grill.
Make sure to create a great ambiance to accompany the menu, decorate with traditional Greek colors of blue and white, gold accents, greenery, bowls of grapes, and candles. Invite the kids to dress in togas and play Greek music softly in the background while your guests arrive. This picnic will have your company excited for many parties to come, and you could even inspire others to take a journey for their next big shindig. Remember, a cultural experience is one to explore, you never have to go far to be able to enjoy the traditions and fun that different ethnicities have to offer. So enjoy your journey around the world this summer, I know I will!
For information and the recipes from this article please email me at: foodieinyou@gmail.com
As Always, Enjoy ~ K
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