A Picnic Date with Martha Stewart

There's something so relaxing about an afternoon spent lounging in the shade of a big tree with the wind blowing and the birds chirping overhead. I could literally lie on a picnic blanket all day long watching the clouds roll by! A couple of weeks ago, Jason and I headed to our favorite palm tree filled park for a weekend picnic date, or as I like to call it, a datenic.

When Martha Stewart sent me a few items from the Martha Stewart Collection for Macy's including a White Wicker Picnic Basket for 2, I was thrilled to put it to use. Of course picnics are one of my favorite ways to casually entertain outdoors but this basket for two definitely shouted date!

Any excuse to plan a relaxing day unwinding with Jason is good in my book so I packed up a lunch, a deck of playing cards, and new picnic basket in hand, we headed out for our datenic.

On the menu: Penne Frittata with Basil and Ricotta, a dish that can easily be served both hot or at room temperature, Fresh Pea Hummus served with crackers and lots of fresh veggies for dipping, and a large pitcher of lemonade. Of course a pitcher of Bombay Fizz would have been nice too!

We chose a grassy spot that was dappled with sun and shifting shade under a cluster of palm trees. If I hadn't enticed him with all of the yummy food I'm pretty sure that Jason would have taken a nap right then and there on the grass.

From the time we started dating, Jason and I have played a card game that my Grandma taught me as a little girl called Nickel. It's ridiculously simple to learn and always results in bringing out our husband/wife competitiveness. (P.s. I almost always win!) So out came the playing cards and a serious round of nickel ensued.

It's fun to bring a game along on picnics especially when the weather is nice and you have time to linger. It was also a treat to have Joanne along to capture a few moments from our datenic. These are the sorts of days I like to hold onto when our lives become busy and we have less and less time for lounging under palm trees and sipping lemonade! This summer I plan to focus on making time for a few more picnics than usual. After all, I have a brand new white wicker basket to use! Thank you Martha!

Our "Datenic" Recipes:

Penne Frittata with Basil & Ricotta- recipe via Martha Stewart
6 large eggs
½ cup whole milk
½ cup fresh ricotta cheese
¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon coarse salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3 cups cooked and drained penne rigate pasta (from 7 ounces dry)
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Garnish: fresh basil

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Whisk together eggs, milk, ricotta, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir in cooked pasta and chopped basil.
2. Heat a 10-inch ovenproof skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium heat. Add oil; swirl to coat bottom and sides of skillet. Pour in egg mixture, and cook until edges are just beginning to set, about 2 minutes. Transfer skillet to oven, and bake until eggs are completely set, 10 to 12 minutes. Invert onto a plate, and re-invert onto a serving dish. Let stand for 5 minutes. Cut into wedges. Garnish with basil.

Fresh Pea Hummus- recipe via Martha Stewart

1 cup fresh shelled peas
¼ cup fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons tahini
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 small clove minced garlic
⅛ teaspoon ground cumin
Salt

Directions:
1. Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Add peas; cook until tender, about 2 minutes. Drain; run under cold water.
2. In food processor, pulse peas, cilantro, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and cumin 30 to 40 seconds. Season with salt.

So, do you ever go on Date Picnics? What are some of your favorite picnic recipes? I would love to know, and give them a try of course!

Photos by Joanne Pio

Disclosure:  Product was provided by Martha Stewart Collection available exclusively at Macy's. These items are from the Martha Stewart Collection, exclusively at Macy's and part of the 'American Icons' campaign.