My daughter and her husband were married 11 months ago. They both had significant debt when they got married. They are both working full time and are making good salaries, however they do not have extra cash on hand for entertainment. My daughter stopped over to ask if I had any suggestions of what they could do for their anniversary that would be fun, yet inexpensive.
I told her that one of the things that her father and I used to do when we were first married was to go on picnics. I have several picnic recipes that are fun and romantic. My daughter thought this was a great idea. They have several spots by area lakes, where they like to go for hikes. My daughter asked if I could share some of the picnic recipes with her, so she could make them a nice dinner.
We started going through the cabinet where I store all of my recipes. My daughter could not believe the number of cookbooks, recipe boxes and folders I had. I had one folder that was marked outdoors. I told my daughter that the picnic recipes would be included there. She asked what other recipes were included in the outdoors file. I explained that they were recipes for grilling as well as side dishes that I serve when we entertain outside. The picnic recipes that are our favorites include smoked salmon rolls, a special cracker made with sesame seeds that I served with smoked sausage and grapes mixed with brown sugar and sour cream for dessert. My daughter was very excited about the picnic recipes and told me that they had a bottle of wine that they received as a wedding gift that she would take along.
The day before their anniversary my daughter and I went out for lunch and then went grocery shopping for the items needed to complete the picnic recipes. As we were shopping for the ingredients I began to realize how long it had been since my husband and I had gone on a romantic picnic. I picked up several of our favorite foods and decided that I would surprise him by having a picnic supper ready to go after work. The weather was perfect and we found a nice quiet area in one of our favorite parks. We had a very enjoyable time relaxing and talking without the distraction that come with being at home or in a restaurant. My husband and I agree that we are not going to let as much time pass in between using the picnic recipes in the future.
Not to mention the perks like going to Galveston and having it on the beach because afterwards we go to the ‘Strand’ and shop. Know what I mean, ladies?
Wish I could meet ya’, Vallie