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Come Party With Me: Beach Picnic - The Look & Music

partysugar — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 07:03:18 -0700

When planning a picnic on the beach, start by making a list of all of the things you need to bring. Incorporate the theme colors (mine are turquoise, yellow, and orange) into the beach blanket, beach chairs, plates, and napkins. Fill a big bucket with ice and cold beverages and toss a few throw pillows on the blankets so when night falls guests can lay back and gaze at the stars. Have one floral arrangement of vibrant lilies. Instead of regular votives purchase cheap candles in sea shell votives. Enclose your party space by sticking several tiki torches in the sand. Arrange the blankets around the fire pit/grill, set up an area for dancing and food. Oh and, don't forget to pack the kites!

Create a playlist with current summer hits and fun party music. BuzzSugar has created a fabulous summer playlist with songs that are sure to be a great background for your beach picnic.

Come Party With Me: Beach Picnic - Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 06:58:31 -0700

Sun. Sand. Beach. Fried chicken. Clams. Salads. Cherry pies. What's missing from this equation? Cocktails of course! This week I've created the ultimate kite flying beach picnic party and a cool, tropical cocktail fits the theme perfectly. In this case, nothing can beat the classic mai tai - they are easy to make in large batches and can be packed up in an oversized thermos. For the designated drivers, a delicious hibiscus ginger tea is thirst quenching and revitalizing. For those who don't want a cocktail I'll fill my cooler with other options: Great White Beer (it's fruity taste and beachy name are ideal for a beach party), a New Zealand white Gewürztraminer called Patutahi, and still and sparkling water. For the mai tai and tea recipes, read more

Mai Tai
From Gourmet by way of reader bibelot

1 oz (2 tablespoons) dark rum
1 oz (2 tablespoons) amber rum
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1/2 oz (1 tablespoon) Cointreau or triple sec
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon orgeat syrup or 1 drop pure almond extract
1 teaspoon superfine granulated sugar
Dash of grenadine
an orange slice, optional for garnish

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with 1 cup ice cubes, then strain into a glass filled with ice cubes.

Serves 1.

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Hibiscus and Ginger Iced Tea
From Martha Stewart

1 tablespoon thinly sliced, peeled fresh ginger
3/4 cup sugar
4 hibiscus tea bags
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Lemon wedges, for garnishing

Put 4 cups water, ginger, and sugar into a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat; add 4 hibiscus tea bags. Cover, and let steep 15 minutes.
Pour through a fine sieve into a bowl set in an ice-water bath. Let cool.
Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Serve over crushed ice, and garnish with lemon wedges.

Serves 8.

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Come Party With Me: Beach Picnic - Menu II

partysugar — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 10:03:31 -0700

Picnics are one of my favorite types of parties to plan. The majority of the food is prepared in advance, allowing the hostess maximum time to chat with her guests, enjoy the sunset, or fly a kite. Cooling salads are always welcome and I'm assembling two to pair with steamed clams and fried chicken. A cucumber, red onion, and basil salad is a a fresh flavor combination that can easily be made for a private picnic or a crowd of twenty. Carrots, one of the world's most underrated and overlooked vegetables, make for a colorful and crisp salad when mixed with peanuts and mint.

And when the moon is high over the ocean I'll break out a portable fork free dessert: mini cherry pies with the perfect balance of flaky pastry and sweet, fruity filling. You know you want to make at least one of these delightful dishes so get the recipe and read more

Cucumber, Red Onion, and Basil Salad
From Coastal Living magazine

2 English cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 5 cups)
1⁄2 red onion, thinly sliced (about 1 1⁄4 cups)
1⁄2 cup basil leaves, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
Cover and chill 1 hour.

Makes about 4 cups.

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Carrot Salad
From Family Fun Go

1 pound carrots, peeled
3/4 cup dry-roasted unsalted peanuts
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

Grate the carrots on the coarse side of a box grater (a food processor extracts a lot of liquid and will make the carrots too soft for this salad).
In a large bowl, gently toss together the carrots, peanuts, parsley, and mint.
In a small bowl thoroughly stir together the olive oil, lemon juice, sugar, and salt, then pour the dressing onto the salad and toss again until the carrots are evenly coated.
Let the salad stand for 20 minutes before serving, or refrigerate it and serve within 2 days.

Serves 6.

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Mini Cherry Pies
From Martha Stewart

4 cups frozen sour cherries, defrosted until easily separated
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling out dough
2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
Juice and grated rind of 1/2 lemon
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) chilled unsalted butter, cut in pieces
1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water

Place the flour, salt, and sugar in the bowl of a food processor, and process for a few seconds to combine. Add the butter, and process until the mixture resembles coarse meal, about 10 seconds. With the machine running, add the ice water in a slow, steady stream, through the feed tube, just until the dough holds together. Do not process for more than 30 seconds.
Turn the dough out onto a work surface. Divide in two. Place each half on a sheet of plastic wrap. Flatten, and form two discs.
Wrap, and refrigerate at least 1 hour before using.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
In a medium bowl combine, cherries, sugar, flour, cornstarch, lemon juice, and zest.
On a lightly floured surface, roll one disk of dough out slightly less than 1/8-inch-thick. Use a 4 3/4-inch cutter to cut out 6 rounds. Fit rounds into 3 1/2-inch fluted tart pans with removable bottoms.
Divide filling evenly between pans.
Roll second disk of dough out 1/8-inch-thick. Use a 3 3/4-inch biscuit cutter to cut out 6 rounds. Place rounds over fruit. Cut vents into each pie.
Seal by folding edges over and crimping with thumb and forefinger. Place onto a parchment lined baking sheet.
In a small bowl, whisk together egg and heavy cream. Brush evenly over tops of pies.
Bake until golden brown, and juices are bubbling, 35 to 40 minutes.
Remove from oven, and let cool for at least 1 hour before serving.

Makes 6 3 1/2-inch pies.

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Come Party With Me: Beach Picnic - Menu I

partysugar — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 07:10:41 -0700

After an afternoon of kite flying fun, the guests at my beach picnic will certainly have worked up an appetite. To satiate them, I'm packing a picnic with delicious and classic flavors. Hearty, spreadable store bought cheese, flatbreads, olives, and hard boiled eggs will kick start the menu. I'll ask a few of the male guests to help me set up a fire pit with a grill on top. A picnic on the beach must have seafood, so fresh beer steamed clams are the first course. Next up, the quintessential fried chicken made at home and packed in colored Chinese take out containers. Don't let guests know that the chicken was baked in the oven - not deep fried - and when they ask for the recipe, smile mysteriously and say, "it's a family secret." Check out the first batch of recipes (you have to come back tomorrow for the salads and dessert!), just read more

Steamed Clams
From Martha Stewart

5 pounds steamer clams
1/2 cup cornmeal
2 beer
Chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges
Unsalted butter, melted

Place steamers in a large bowl. Add enough water to cover. Add cornmeal, and stir to thoroughly combined. Let stand for at least 3 hours and up to 6 hours to allow the clams to purge their sand.
Remove clams from water, and rinse thoroughly. Refrigerate until ready to use.
In a large saucepan, combine beer and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Add clams, and cook, covered, until the clams have opened, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove clams with a slotted spoon, discarding any clams that have not opened or ones with broken shells, to a large bowl. Sprinkle with parsley.
Strain cooking liquid through a cheesecloth-lined sieve. Serve clams immediately with lemon wedges, hot broth, and melted butter.

Serves 4.

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Picnic Fried Chicken
From EatingWell

1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon hot sauce
2 1/2 pounds chicken legs
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper
Olive oil cooking spray

Whisk buttermilk, mustard, garlic and hot sauce in a shallow glass dish until well blended. Add chicken and turn to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1/2 hour or for up to 8 hours.
Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil. Set a wire rack on the baking sheet and coat it with cooking spray.
Whisk flour, sesame seeds, paprika, thyme, baking powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
Place the flour mixture in a paper bag or large sealable plastic bag. Shaking off excess marinade, place one or two pieces of chicken at a time in the bag and shake to coat. Shake off excess flour and place chicken on the prepared rack. (Discard any leftover flour mixture and marinade.) Spray chicken pieces with cooking spray.
Bake the chicken until golden brown and no longer pink in the center, 40 to 50 minutes.

Serves 4.

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Come Party With Me: Beach Picnic - Invites

partysugar — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 07:08:10 -0700

In honor of International Picnic Day and the official start of summer, June 21st, I'm planning a kite flying picnic at the beach. Now I know not everyone has access to the beach, but this party can be hosted at a lake shore, a park, a vineyard, etc. All week I'll take you through the steps to host a successful, memorable afternoon-into-evening picnic. Let's start with the invitations. I'm making cute kite shaped invitations that are embellished with pretty satin ribbon. To see how I made my invitations and instructions on how to make them for your next party - these would also be adorable for a child's birthday party! - read more

To make this invitation you will need:

cardstock in three colors (I chose bright orange, vibrant yellow, and electric blue)
glue
a perfect square/rectangular/kite shape to use as a template
scissors
pencil
thin satin ribbon in colors that coordinate with the cardstock
computer
printer
hole punch

To assemble this invitation:

Start by creating a new document in Microsoft word. Write out the details in a fun font. For my invite I used Mistral in size 18 and wrote the following message:

Let’s Go Fly A Kite!

Summer has officially arrived
&
PartySugar would like you to join her to celebrate
with
kite flying, frolicking, and food on the beach

Saturday June 23, 5:00 pm
Stinson Beach, CA

Please rsvp for directions to
partysugar@yumsugar.com

Make sure the text is spaced out like a diamond.

Print out a test copy of the text. Once satisfied with the text, print out on one sheet of the cardstock (I used blue).

Using your kite template as a guide, trace the shape onto the text page.

Cut the text page out in the kite shape.
Fold the template page in half. Trace the triangle on to the two other sheets of colored cardstock.

Cut down to size. Fold in half and cut again until you end up with two small triangles of each color.

Glue each pyramid on so that the two colors meet to touch in a point in the center. (Mine were glued on orange, yellow, orange, yellow).

With the single hole punch, make a small hole in one corner of the invitation.

Slide three equal length pieces of ribbon through the hole and tie a knot. Braid the ribbon.

With the contrasting colors of ribbon tie a small bow onto the braid to create the illusion of a kite string. Voila! Your invite is finished. Slide into an envelope and send.
Where do you like to throw your outdoor picnic parties? Tell me about the destination below!
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Let's Dish: What Do You Like to Eat at the Beach?

partysugar — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:30:01 -0700

Since the Summer is in full swing, I want to know about your preferred seaside bites. My absolute all-time favorite things to eat at the beach are fresh grilled sardines. The crisp-skinned, salty kind they serve on the playas of Southern Spain are the best. Things don't get much better than those sardines paired with an icy cold glass of beer and an endless view of the ocean. Whether you're packing a picnic or sitting at a beach bar, there's something about the ocean air that makes one hungry. So, what foods do you like to eat at the beach?

Off To Market Recap: Picnic Basket

partysugar — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 15:51:31 -0700

At the end of April, I will be attending a picnic down in Bakersfield on a friend's family ranch. Every April Laura and her family invite all of their friends out to their ranch for some frolicking in the sun, and every August they invite the same people to a reggae party at their beach house on the strip in Hermosa. Last August I spent the weekend at their house and had the most amazing time. So much so that I do not want to show up empty handed to their picnic. That's why I asked you to search the web for the perfect picnic basket. You saved your baskets in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag Picnic Basket. Here are the baskets that I think the Cattani family would enjoy the most:

How cool is this backpack picnic basket that SU3 found? Part basket, part backpack, part cooler, this unique and functional rattan food transporter takes picnicking to a whole new chic level. Includes an insulated wine tote, food compartment and blanket holder.

Two more so read more

SU3 certainly shined in her search for the ultimate picnic basket. She not only found a suitable basket for their ranch house, but she found one that they can use at the beach house as well! Its low height and wide body make it ideal for carrying bottles, blankets, and snacks. Don't like the turquoise water print? Lucky you, it comes in two other prints.

I saved the picnic basket I secretly want to buy myself for last. DesignRchic discovered this mini grill in cooler bag. Now you can tailgate with ease whenever you want (at the ranch, on the beach, near a lake, etc.) and have a hot dog and a cold beer at your finger tips all in one portable handbag.

Thanks for helping me out girls! Read geeksugar's explanation to understand the Yum Market.

Off To Market: Picnic Basket

partysugar — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 09:48:32 -0700

At the end of April, I am heading down to Bakersfield for the Cattani family's annual Spring picnic. My girlfriend Laura and her family are people after my own heart, they know how to throw one fabulous party. Every April they invite all of their friends out to their ranch for some frolicking in the sun and every August they invite the same people to a reggae party at their beach house on the strip in Hermosa. Last August I spent the weekend at their house and had the most amazing time. So much so that I do not want to show up empty handed to their picnic. I want to get them a wonderful gift to thank them for inviting me to the parties and was thinking what could be more fitting than a picnic basket? I need you to help me find the most perfect picnic basket. Please save your finds in the Yum Market with the keyword tag Picnic Basket. I look forwarding to checking out what you find.

Read geeksugar's explanation to understand the Yum Market.

Come Party With Me: Waterpark Party - The Look

partysugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 09:15:34 -0700

Use bright blue and lime green to create a festive decor for a party at Waterworld USA. Cover the park's picnic table with a fun tablecloth. Matching plates, napkins, and utensils complete the look.

Fill colorful baskets with homemade potato chips and place on the table. Pack the punch in a portable cooler, and serve the refreshing concoction in compostable cups.

To ensure that your bathing suit bottom doesn't snag, drape a large beach towel over the table's benches. Clear lip balm with a moderate SPF makes the perfect party favor.

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What's Yummy This Week: YumSugar Weekly Recap

YumSugar — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 08:18:30 -0700

Several hours and many dollars later, I'm finally able to say I've dined at The French Laundry.
I heart candy and evidently, so do you. Be sure to check out the I Heart Candy Roundup!
Introducing the summer of sandwiches, ice cream sandwiches that is! If sandwiches aren't your thing, then try making your own ice cream cones instead.
Need an excuse to party? Here are the top ten reasons to throw a summer party. Whatever you decide, just make sure your party has a good flow.

This week we've been planning a beach picnic party. To help you get ready we've even provided a picnic pack checklist as well as a variety of picnic packing tips.
Start summer off with an elegantly simple bistro-style dinner salad or maybe a delicious steak sandwich.
Speaking of summer, don't miss out on some of the summer sales going on right now.

PartySugar breaks everyone's diet by bringing in a lovely Heath Bar (aka "Better Than Sex") Cake.
The reality food tv never ends. Drama finally rears its head on this week's Top Chef, while Hell's Kitchen loses two contestants. Actually, so does The Next Food Network Star, but Anthony Bourdain might be the only one who cares about that.
It's a little early in some parts, but corn is popping up in markets. If corn's not your thing, how about peaches?