End of Summer Picnic Recipes

Is it Labor Day Weekend already? Seriously? Does that mean I can finally stash the window fans and sunscreen? Here in the high desert- not likely. But there is a subtle shimmer of gold in the younger cottonwoods along the Chama River. And mornings here in the shadow of the mesa are deliciously chilly. I walk bare armed and goose-bumped just to feel the coolness. It's invigorating.

To celebrate the end of summer- and the fruits of our collective labor- I've gathered my favorite picnic foods for you, in one handy reference (updated for Labor Day 2009). This is a big picnic weekend, after all. One last plein aire huzzah before the seasonal wheel turns officially toward fall.

Roasted Yellow Tomato Salsa Roasting brings out the sweetness of grape and cherry tomatoes.

Quinoa Salad with Yellow Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives and Mint is always devoured at family gatherings.

Snappy Crunchy Coleslaw- with no mayo is perfect with grilled fare.

Easy Guacamole with Lime makes a perfect topping to tacos, burgers and sandwiches.

Joey's Kicked Up Rockin' Guac is pure party food. Serve with lots of corn chips.

Jalapeño & Lime Hummus Slightly spicy and fresh. Serve with raw veggies.

Hummus Tahini with Spiced Oil The classic hummus tahini. Yummy on a burger.

Greenwiches Let your kids/guests imagine their own combos and roll their own.

Cool As A Cucumber Salad is my new favorite side dish. A refreshing counterpoint to spicy dishes.

Lime Quinoa Salad with Mint is such an easy make-ahead salad- with hints of mint and lime that resemble the carefree days of cous cous.

Horseradish Spiked Potato Salad- Yes to spicy vegan goodness.

Quinoa Salad with Yellow Grape Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives, Basil and Mint is another picnic favorite- fresh and light.

Snappy Crunchy Cole Slaw- no mayo is fresh vegan fare with no eggs in sight.

Two Potato Salad- with sweet potatoes is my absolute favorite potato salad (and lower on the glycemic index if you favor the sweet potatoes and use fewer gold potatoes).

Spinach and Quinoa Salad A favorite combo around here- fluffy quinoa and baby spinach leaves studded with sweet tomatoes.

Brown Rice Tortilla Chips a South Beach friendly chip perfect for serving with my Lime & Jalapeno Hummus, Roasted Eggplant Tapenade or Easy Guacamole with Lime.

My Parmesan Crisps with Roasted Tomato Salsa is also low glycemic friendly.

Calabasitas- zucchini and roasted corn is a New Mexican tradition. Make it sprinkled with feta or goat cheese, or keep it dairy-free. Both ways are delicious.

Grilled Mediterranean Fish- in packets If you're grilling this weekend, try making these Mediterranean inspired packets. Easy to make-ahead- just keep the packets on ice until you grill them.

Agave Lime Salmon I like to grill this recipe in foil packets.

Champagne Vinegar Red Potato Salad My tried and true simple stand-by that always surprises and disarms guests- especially when they think that a good potato salad must have mayo and eggs. Nope.

Pesto Zucchini Tomato Gratin is a fab make-ahead dish you can serve at room temperature.

New Mexican Stew with Ground Turkey and Green Chiles is easy, hearty backyard picnic food- and a slow cooker won't heat up the kitchen.

Skillet Cornbread with Green Chiles There's never a scrap of this cornbread left when I bring it to a gathering.

Big Banana Muffins make a tasty alternative to rolls or bread.

Artichoke & Jalapeno Savory Pie For those of you looking for a crustless quiche to eat at room temperature- this is elegant and tasty picnic food.

Italian Pasta Frittata with Goat Cheese, Portobello, Olives and Sun-dried Tomatoes is an easy portable brunch.

Buttermilk Flatbread Tender gluten-free flatbread that is fun for picnics and casual snacks.

Pumpkin Corn Muffins 'Tis almost the time of year for pumpkins. This corn and pumpkin combo makes moist delicious muffins.

Millet Buckwheat Wraps are a tender and delicious alternative to bread.

Focaccia with Garlic and Tomato Serve with a wedge of Parmesan and some fruity olive oil.

Yeasted Quinoa Cornbread is a different twist to a corny classic. Serve with salsa.

Dark Chocolate Brownies Every picnic deserves chocolate.

Peach Cake makes a perfect late summer dessert.

Apple & Pear Crisp Pears are ripe and juicy now- make a crisp to take along.

Almost Sausalito Cookie Bars Oh yeah. For Pepperidge Farm fans.

Orange Creme Cupcakes- fresh and citrusy sweet cakes.

Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies The best gluten-free chocolate chip cookie yet.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Classic. Make ice cream sandwiches with these beauties.

Wishing you and your family a safe holiday weekend!