July Picnics

The wacky calendar has gone totally so, since it declares that both July and August are national picnic months.Maybe someone forgot to proofread. In the meantime, let's have a one! Picnics can be...*outings planned in detail ahead of time or spur-of-the moment events to spice up dog days of summer (July 3 - August 11). *for one or two, a family or two, or a whole neighborhood or community! *for special occasions like birthdays and graduations or for no reason at all. *prepared by one or potluck. *anywhere - front porch, backyard, riverbank or farm, Grandma's or a state park, tailgate or table - indoors or out! *fancy - with wine, flowers, and multi-courses - or simple sandwiches, chips and Kool-Aid!

Did I hear Kool-Aid? National Kool-Aid Day is always the second Friday of August but what’s a July picnic without it! Have a big pitcher of a favorite flavor and serve in tall glasses of ice. Or freeze some in ice cube trays to add a splash of flavor and color to teas, lemonade or sangria. Brainstorm with the kids to come up with other fun ways to incorporate Kool-Aid into picnic-worthy snacks. It’s great for more than just popsicles and drinks!

Here is a recipe for Kool-Aid Pie from “Inside My Recipe Box” produced by Kim Harris, who used to share her recipes weekly in the PN. Kids of all ages will love this simple treat. The four ingredients are: *1 pkg unsweetened Kool-Aid in any flavor; *1 14-oz can of sweetened condensed milk; *1 8-oz carton of thawed cool whip; *1 graham cracker crust.To whip up the magical treat, combine the Kool-Aid, sweetened condensed milk and cool whip and mix well. Pour into the crust and refrigerate a day before needed.

The perfect dessert for a July picnic!