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Conference turris::cooks

Title:How to Make them Goodies
Notice:Please Don't Start New Notes for Old Topics! Check 5.*
Moderator:FUTURE::DDESMAISONSec.com::winalski
Created:Tue Feb 18 1986
Last Modified:Thu Jun 05 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:4127
Total number of notes:31160

3174.0. "Picnic Dinner" by FSOA::MCOHEN () Thu Aug 08 1991 10:00

My wife and I are going out this Saturday, and in order to maximize the use of 
our baby sitter, and at the same time save money, have decided to have a picnic
dinner instead of going out to  a restaurant. I have two requests of the readers.

First,  I am planning to barbeque some chicken to eat cold, but what else would 
be good to pack for the picnic.  Some ground rules and are in order.  Both of us
are dieting and are not eating fats.  The chicken will be cooked without the skin.
So we are looking for suggestions for side dishes that will meet our dietary 
requirements.  I have thought about making a potato salad using one of the new
non-fat mayonnaises, but have never made potato salad and would need a recipe.

The second question, is where would be a good place in the Nashua area to have 
the picnic?  If we go to Greeley Park, behind where the bandstand is, can we 
find a place to spread a blanket and be overlooking the river?  Any other 
suggestions will be welcomed.

thanks,

Mark
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3174.1FRESH FRUITGRANMA::SHAMMONThu Aug 08 1991 10:123
    How about fruit on a skewer marinated in orange juice?  Chunks of
    watermelon, pineapple, strawberries, peaches, kiwi, etc. Easy to pick
    up, not messy, and healthy.
3174.2have fun!CALS::HEALEYDTN 297-2426 (was Karen Luby)Thu Aug 08 1991 11:0545
I love picnics!!

How about friut salad instead of the fruit on a skewer suggested in the
previous reply.  It is not quite as messy.  I don't like melon so I 
combine 1 apple, 1 pear, 1 nectarine, 1 plum, 1 orange, small can pineapple
rings with juice, grapes, 1 grapefruit, berries of any type, and pour orange 
juice over it to marinate.  YUM!

Another suggestion:  Four Bean Salad
   Combine 1 Can each Chick Peas, Kidney Beans, yellow beans, green beans
   Add 1/3 C mild, finely chopped onion
   Combine separately 1/3 C olive oil, 1/3 C red wine vinegar, 1/3 C sugar.
   Pour over beans, mix, regrigerate overnight.  Lasts at least 2 weeks in 
   refridgerator.  Beans are quite low in calories.

Those light mayo's are not really all that light.  Try this pasta salad
instead...

  1 bag tri colored rotini noodles, cooked
  3 C chopped fresh vegetables; I combine green brocolli, red pepper, yellow
    squash, orange carrot, purple onion (other choices might be other
    colored peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, cuke, and so on). 
  1 bottle Kens Light Ceasar Salad dressing
 
  Combine noodles and vegetables, then salad dressing to taste.

Suggested Menu:

   BBQ chicken
   Tri-colored pasta salad
   Four Bean salad
   Crusty loaf of bread
   Bottle of wine
   Fruit salad for dessert


As far as parks go, Greely park is crowded in the summer. There is another
park in Nashua, Mines Falls, which has great trails but only one large
field for sports.  You could probably picnic on one of the trails however.

I would suggest Odiorne State Park in Portsmouth NH.  Right on the ocean
and my absolute favorite... well worth the hours ride from Nashua.

Karen
3174.3low/no fat potato saladTYGON::WILDEwhy am I not yet a dragon?Thu Aug 08 1991 17:5918
potato salad does not have to have mayo of any kind on it to be delicious....
try:

	small red potatoes, skin on, boiled till tender and plunged into
	ice water to stop the cooking right away.  Chill until cool in
	the fridge.  Cut potatoes into bite sizes, drizzle a generous
	amount of low-fat/no-fat zesty italian dressing mixed with a
	dollop of dijon mustard over the potatoes.  Mix in chopped green
	peppers, chopped sweet red peppers, mild onion or scallion, and
	canned lima beans or kidney beans (rinsed and drained well).
	Toss to coat all with dressing.  Chill until ready to eat.

		voilla!  great tasting, low-fat potato salad.  Other 
		veggies mix very well so use your imagination.

	fresh fruit is a great dessert, as are melon balls (have you
	tasted the watermelon we have this year...magnifico!)

3174.4??NEWPRT::WAGNER_BAMon Aug 12 1991 18:544
    Do you know of a variation of this potatoe salad, with a plain yogurt
    dressing and spices?  I saw someone make this on tv once and can't
    remember the recipe.  I think they mixed in a small amount of light
    sour cream just to give it flavor.  Was it the home show?
3174.5yoghut dressing/dipTYGON::WILDEwhy am I not yet a dragon?Mon Aug 12 1991 19:2121
>    Do you know of a variation of this potatoe salad, with a plain yogurt
>    dressing and spices?  I saw someone make this on tv once and can't
>    remember the recipe.  I think they mixed in a small amount of light
>    sour cream just to give it flavor.  Was it the home show?

I have used the following as a dressing for potatoes/dip for veggies/etc. for
years:

	mix 2 cups low-fat plain yoghurt (milder flavor recommended)
	with 1 "burpless" (or English) cucumber, peeled, seeds removed,
	diced and pressed while wrapped in paper towels to remove moisture.
	season to taste with dried mint leaf, crushed to allow the aromatics
	to escape (I use a generous teaspoon).  You can also add salt and
	pepper.  Allow to rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours for flavors
	to meld.

	this can also be made with garlic, dill, and other seasonings...but
	the mint is especially nice for some reason.

I, personally have never felt the need to add sour cream, etc...but, if I did
add anything, it would be light mayo, not sour cream.
3174.6**NEWPRT::WAGNER_BATue Aug 13 1991 12:301
    Oh thank you!  I think it was mayo now that you mention it!
3174.7Picnic Location - LowellPICKET::GROUPIDMRThu Apr 16 1992 13:075
    If you have time for a short drive a perfect place for a picnic is
    along the Concord River in Lowell.  The park goes for miles and you
    can park across the street.  Lots of space and interesting scenery.
    Lots of boats to see and nice grass and trees.
    Kris