If It's Summer, It Must Be Picnic Time

Yes, summer is here, finally! And, why not enjoy a picnic with family and friends? Easy comfort foods, red gingham tablecloths, lemonade and sugar cookies, and, even an ant or two are so fun. Perhaps, we feel as though we are going on a mini vacation. Packing up the picnic basket, gathering chairs, quilts, candles, causes one to relax and enjoy the simplicity of it all.

To be quite honest, though, I’m usually not enthused about partaking in picnics. I’m sure it relates to hot, humid, buggy experiences of days past. I kept thinking to myself, “Do people really enjoy this type of al fresco dining?” And, the answer is “but, of course.” But, hold on, I recently had one of those “ah-ah” moments when I found myself in the middle of planning a very elegant, pre-theatre picnic. Such fun, for we kept enhancing the dinner by adding to the ambience with French china and linens, silver tableware, silver candelabra, and fresh flowers. Ok, I finally get it!!

The menu must be delicious, and fun. For serving pieces, I’ve been using the Weck canning jars. Besides, using these jars for putting up garden fruits and vegetables, they provide the perfect “vessel” for soups, salads, and desserts; thank you, Marcel’s for selling these gems. They are perfect for individual servings of a dessert, such as the English, “posset”. This is similar to a panna cotta, but, lighter and so good.

POSSET….inspired by Laura Calder

1 ½ cup heavy cream
½ cup sugar
½ cup lemon juice

Put all the ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring it to a boil, and boil for 3 minutes. Pour into Weck jam jars or pretty glasses. Put in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours till firm. I like to serve with fresh berries on top of the posset.