Enjoying the Simplier Pleasures In Life

Everyone needs a little time to sit back, relax and enjoy life and with this particular side of Jenny, hopefully she will have you and your family too..."Enjoying the Simplier Pleasures In Life!"

Celebrating the Last Weekend of Summer

by Jenny Lavender
lavender@ohiohills.com

As we are getting close to saying goodbye to summer and especially with a long weekend almost among us, I am sure most of us will be catching a few rays at a family picnic, tapping our toes at the upcoming River Days Festival or reeling in a few fish from the lake. But, nonetheless, when it's all said and done, one thing is for sure…there is no better way to celebrate Labor Day then in then outdoors! And while you find yourself enjoying your weekend outdoor adventures you also discover that this is the perfect time to sport your portable coolers and picnic baskets as well. I know during any outside activity, including watching Ian during football practice Jon will pack a small cooler of bottled water and soda. However for longer day excursions I'll usually fix a more appetizing cooler and basket that will weather even through the basking hot sun! And with the dog days of summer that have been among us lately you pretty much have to fix something that you can be assured will stay safe, and as well as delicious. So with that said, I have a few recipes that will do just that…from morning 'til night!

In all honesty, a picnic basket is no stranger to the Lavender family, as when we plan all day events or when traveling, the picnic basket along with the cooler is one of the first things we pack. In the past Jon had mentioned that it is probably just as easy to pull in to a fast food restaurant. However in my opinion and now Jon will quickly agree as well, it is just as easy to grab something out of the basket or cooler, and better yet, it seems to hit the spot a little better too! So, to get you ready for this weekend's upcoming events, here are a couple of quick and simple recipes that you can enjoy as well.

Okay, usually when I pack for sandwiches it usually involves peanut butter an jelly or lunchmeat and a loaf of bread. However, since our family has discovered just how versatile tortilla wraps are you too might enjoy the recipe for Easy Turkey Taco Wraps. All you need is two-thirds cup of sour cream, two tablespoons of taco seasoning mix (or to taste), six - eight inch flour tortillas, one cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese, one-half pound of thinly sliced deli turkey breast, salt and pepper to taste. In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream and taco seasoning mix. Then spread mixture over tortillas. Next sprinkle evenly with cheese. Finally top with turkey slices; season with salt and pepper if desired. Roll up and wrap individually in Reynold's wrap. Once they are all wrapped place in to Ziploc storage bags and place in cooler. If you would like, you might want to throw in a jar of salsa for dipping.

One evening while making Quesidillas I wondered what I could do to use up the extra wraps. The solution…"Cinnamon Sugar Snacks." I baked these up while flipping Quesidillas and Ian and I enjoyed them for a couple of days. All you need is flour tortillas, cinnamon and sugar mixture and spray butter. If you do not keep a cinnamon and sugar mixture on hand usually one-half cup of sugar to one teaspoon of ground cinnamon should work for you. Anyway, simply preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cut each tortilla into six to eight wedges. Spray both sides of the tortilla with butter and shake in cinnamon and sugar mixture. Then place wedges in a single layer on a cookie sheet that has been sprayed lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for five-seven minutes or until wedges are light golden brown and crisp and then remove to a plate to cool. You can then transfer the wedges after they have cooled to a Ziplock bag and enjoy!

When it comes to baking up a small batch of cookies to take on a trip nothing beats the recipe for "Cake Mix Cookies." All you need is one box of your favorite cake mix, one-half cup of oil, two eggs and one-half bag of chocolate chips, M&M's or other favorite baking chips or candies. In a bowl combine the mix, oil and eggs. Add chips or candy and drop in small balls on to a lightly greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Then simply cool and pack for basket. That's it.

And finally when you are craving just a cold soda and something salty to munch on the recipe for "Ranch Snack Mix" has become quite the Lavender favorite, as all you will need is one package (12 oz.) miniature pretzels, two packages (6 oz. each) Bugles, one can (10 oz.) salted cashews, one small box of Cheez-its, one envelope of ranch salad dressing mix and three-fourths cup of vegetable oil. In two large bowls, combine the pretzels, Bugles, cashews and crackers. Sprinkle with dressing mix; toss gently to combine. Drizzle with oil; toss until well coated. Store in Ziplock bags or airtight containers. Yield: 6 quarts.

In closing even though Labor Day is considered the last weekend of summer, maybe the above recipes will hold a place in your family's recipe box that will last a lifetime! Until next time…

--

Jenny Lavender is the Publicity and Program Coordinator for the Portsmouth Public Library, located in Portsmouth, Ohio.

Jenny highly believes that to be happy in what you do you must somehow have a "little" bit of fun. And with this type of philosophy, she enjoys writing about family, fun and from the heart moments that she has shared with her family.

Click Here to visit the Lavender Family Homepage

She is also a columnist and writer for the Portsmouth Daily Times and the Scioto Voice Newspaper and has presented numerous programs and workshops through the library that have been inspired by her articles.

Jenny resides in Lucasville, OH with her husband Jon, and youngest son Ian.

Back to top ^