Oh Wize One

Daycation

Don’t allow a lack of time or funds stop you from enjoying your summer. Take a daycation and relieve your work week stress. Nothing puts me more at ease than a great picnic with friends. Instead of going to the usual gathering place pick a new venue, pull out the cooler, and pack your picnic basket full of goodies.

The Perfect Get Away

I actually found the perfect getaway right outside of Cincinnati at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park. Located in Hamilton, Ohio just far away enough to feel like I left town. Pyramid Hill is an outdoor museum focusing on monumental pieces of sculpture in an environment of meadows, forests, and various gardens. The beautiful art and wide open spaces were the perfect backdrop for a picnic with friends.

Get Real Martha!

I love my adorable wicker picnic basket (on sale here) it’s Pinterest worthy but in all reality, it won’t keep anything cool. For a picnic for more than two  I always bring a cooler (similar here) in addition to my cute basket because nobody wants to eat warm potato salad. I pack a tablecloth, serving ware, napkins, and anything that is not temperature sensitive in my basket.

I’ve seen great photographs of picnics styled with real plates and ceramic serving dishes. It looks fantastic but ain’t nobody got time for that stick with light reusable food containers. You can be even more resourceful when packing a salad, clean the lettuce and assemble your pre-cut vegetables in the same plastic container the salad is sold in. That way once the salad is gone you can also throw out the container and pack up your things with one less container to take home. Keep in mind that whatever you pack, you also have to carry.

Making sandwiches? Toast your bread at home and stick it back in the bread bag and you will have a load of toasted bread. You can assemble your sandwiches at the picnic and your sandwich won’t be soggy.

How many barbeques have you been to this summer? Switch up your picnic options with light fun bites my Italian Potato Salad is perfect for a hot summer day!

Mayo-less Italian Potato Salad

Ingredients

1/2 lb pancetta 1/2 Pound of red russet potatoes

1/2 Pound of red russet potatoes

1 small jar of roasted red peppers

1/3 cup diced red onion

1/2 cup Italian Salad Dressing

1/4 cup of cut basil

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

3 teaspoons of salt

In a stock pot, salt the water and boil the red potatoes until fork tender. Drain the water and allow the potatoes to slightly cool (cool enough to handle but still very warm). Cut the potatoes into small cubes. Place the warm potatoes, diced red onion,  and 1/2 cup Italian salad dressing in a container with a lid and place in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight.

In a pan fry the pancetta until browned on both sides, place on paper towel, and allow to  cool.  Drain the roasted red peppers and dice into small pieces.

Drain the roasted red peppers and dice into small pieces.

Crush the pancetta into small pieces

Mix the pancetta, roasted red peppers, potatoes, and salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the basil and parmesan cheese on top for garnish.

If you have been in search for the perfect picnic basket here are few of my recommendations:

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