Today marks the first day of Spring and we couldn’t be happier!
No more snow, no more cold and no more dreary days. Spring brings with it sunshine, warm weather, flowers and the return of nature’s beauty and color. We can think of no better way to celebrate Spring’s return than with a picnic.
Gather up your picnic basket, your blankets, disposable plates and silverware and hit the park. Of course, you’ll need some great food to take with you! Ideal picnic food needs to be simple to prepare, light, travels well and doesn’t require a lot of work once you get set up. All of these recipes check those boxes and would be a perfect addition to your first picnic of the spring.
Heck, why not make them all and have your menu completely covered?
Spinach Parmesan White Bean Dip
Bean dips are a perfect snack to take along on your picnic. They are extremely easy to make and make for a healthy snack for dipping veggies and chips. This recipe from Cupcakes & Kale Chips is no exception. Randall Great Northern Beans, spinach and parmesan cheese all come together to make this creamy and rich dip. Hit it with a splash of lemon juice to give it a little bite or acidity. So, when you are packing up your basket don’t forget to chop up some carrots, celery and broccoli for dipping.
Slow Cooker Calico Beans
Calico beans are a staple at picnics, barbecues and any large get-together. Calico beans is a bean casserole that gets its name because it incorporates a variety (usually three) of beans, like a calico cat has three different colors. The traditional calico beans use pork and beans, kidney beans and lima beans. But, we really love this recipe from Culinary Hill because it forgoes the lima beans in place of white beans (to which we say the more Randall Beans the better)! All the beef, bacon, veggies and beans need some time in the crock pot to cook together, but you can make it the night before and warm it back up the day of your picnic and transfer it to a casserole dish without losing any of the delicious flavor.
Cucumber Sandwich with Turmeric White Bean Spread
If you’re having a picnic, you have to have sandwiches, right? It isn’t really a picnic without them. Like everything else in your picnic, they need to be easy to make and not too heavy in your stomach since you will no doubt be wanting to toss around the football or run around with the kids. This cucumber sandwich with white bean spread from Veggie Primer is perfect for this occasion. Gluten free and vegan, these sandwiches can just as easily be prepared ahead of time or at the park if you choose. The only thing that requires prep is the turmeric and white bean spread. Just put Randall Great Northern Beans, turmeric (a spice similar to ginger), lemon juice, onion and other spices in a food processor the spread the concoction on bread with cucumber, tomato for a tangy and smooth experience.
Ready to start planning your picnic? Just don’t forget the Randall Great Northern Beans! Check your local grocery store or if you can’t find them you can always have these delicious beans in a jar shipped straight to you at our online store.
Are you hungry yet? Head out to the store, and look for Randall Pinto Beans to make this dish tonight.
