Description

Italian Pressed Cooler Sandwiches

Make these a day ahead to let the flavors come together. Construct the sandwiches; then wrap each tightly in wax paper. Space them evenly on a baking sheet. Place a second baking sheet over the sandwiches; top it with a heavy pot and press down. Let sit for at least one hour. If making ahead of time, place the sandwiches, with the pans, in the refrigerator.

Flatter artisan breads with a substantial crust—such as focaccia and ciabatta—work best with this recipe.

Plum Chicken Salad

Use cooked Simple Truth rotisserie chicken for this salad. Rice crackers take the place of fried wontons for an Asian flare. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Can be made a day ahead. Just before serving, shake the jar vigorously to dress the salad.

JARHEAD

It’s canning season, so stores are stocked with glass jars that not only hold summer edibles long past the season but also make perfect vessels for layered salads and desserts. Serve them from the jar or dump into a bowl. Widemouthed glass jars are available in the cooking-supplies aisle.

No-Cook Chocolate Mousse with Strawberries

Makes 4–6 servings
Make this ahead of time, and spoon into individual canning jars. Make extra because someone will ask for more of this rich, creamy and cool summer dessert.

1. In a medium bowl, stir 2 cups plain Greek yogurt, 6 tablespoons mascarpone (or cream cheese), and 9 tablespoons chocolate-hazelnut spread until well blended.
2. Spoon the mousse into the jars.
3. Top each with sliced strawberries and Nature’s Path Love Crunch chocolate granola. Put the lid on, and refrigerate until picnic time.

Fruit-Infused Water

Use your culinary imagination. All you need is a bunch of herbs and sliced fruits and vegetables. Try: Sliced lime, sliced cucumber, torn mint Sliced mango, diced pineapple, sliced ginger (smashed to release the spice) Cubes of seeded watermelon, rosemary sprigs

Muddle (lightly mash) fruit and herbs in a pitcher. Add water and let sit for 30 minutes. Give it a brisk stir every once in a while to release the flavor. Add ice before serving.