While Ashley English's A Year of Picnics: Recipes for Dining Well in the Great Outdoors is, in theory, a cookbook and guide that shares the keys to a perfect picnic, the great selection of recipes can be used for any occasion - basket and blanket optional. 

The chapters are organized seasonally with dishes featuring ingredients that are fresh and at their peak. The bonus here is that Ashley gives pointers on what elements in nature to take in while you are enjoying the outdoors. Instructions are given for such activities as making a DIY utensil holder or creating a mushroom spore print.  Spring and Summer offer such delights as Cardamom, Rose Water and Berry Coffee Cake, Zucchini Gratin, and Quinoa and Pecan Casserole as picnic-perfect dishes but also would be lovely for any meal.  Fall & Winter delivers Pumpkin Whoopie Pies, Dijon Mustard Pork Chop Sandwich, and Twice- Baked Potatoes.

If themes are your thing, themed picnics such as the Bird Watching Picnic, The Tea Party or The Romantic Picnic are set out for you with ideas and recipes to set the mood. Beautiful photographs of the food and nature are plentiful and the stimulus one needs to get off the couch and try something adventurous (yes, at this point in my life - having a picnic is adventurous). 

Roost Books and the author are sharing the recipe for Trail Mix Blondies - which are amazing. Head over to our giveaway for a chance at one of five copies of this book open to US and Canada members.

 

Trail Mix Blondies

A playful nod to trail mix is my final take on classic hiking edibles. I've nestled granola and chocolate chips into a blondie bar, creating a highly transportable food that can be eaten with your hands, no need for utensils. Do be sure to select a somewhat fatty granola.

SERVES 9 TO 12

1⁄2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
3⁄4 cup packed light brown sugar
1⁄4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon sea salt
1⁄2 cup chocolate chips
1 cup granola


1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter an 8 × 8-inch baking pan and set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, beat together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Scrape down the beaters with a spatula.

3. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until well incorporated. Scrape down the beaters again.

4. Add the flour and salt, beating until just incorporated. Stir in the chocolate chips and granola.

5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and spread out evenly using a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving.

From A Year of Picnics by Ashley English © 2017 by Ashley English. Photographs © 2017 by Jen Altman. Reprinted in arrangement with Roost Books, an imprint of Shambhala Publications, Inc. Boulder, CO. 

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