It's that time of year when I love to go out to eat.
And I'm not talking restaurant, no siree...
This is something waaaaaaaay nicer!
Time to pack up and go out for dinner.
Literally.
Eat in the gazebo.
Hike up into the mountains...
or simply toast summer in the backyard.
When you eat out, it's extra fun to play with your food.
I love serving the simplest of dishes, but taking time to make it look extra pretty.
Pair dainty dishes with rusty pails.
Garnish with flowers in ridiculous excess.
Why not?
Here's a fun idea for Scandinavian style sandwiches. It's easy to adapt to your circumstances (be sure to substitute ingredients like the salmon and mayo if you're going on a hike and have no refrigeration, for example!)
Cut circles of bread and cheese. Assemble some finger-lickin' fillings like smoked salmon pate, flavored cream cheese, avocado smooshed with lime juice, and so on. Stack the ingredients, using the sticky ones between the bread and cheeses.
You'll want the stacks about the same height as a cucumber (see photo and next step.)
Peel cucumbers and slice into very thin, long strips.
Wrap around the stacks and secure with toothpicks.
Tuck into boxes, surround with ice in ziplock bags, and add a few pretty garnishes.
I favor lemon and dill if you're using salmon as I did here but fancy radishes, tiny baby veggies and edible flowers are also lovely.
When you are ready to eat, simply plop the cucumber wrapped sandwiches on a plate and garnish.
They are as delicious as they are pretty.
Happy dining out.
Cheers!
If you're in the Sierra Nevada next week, meet Mr. Wonderful and me in the mountains. I'll be the one beside the creek dipping brushes (and probably toes) while munching on a Scandinavian sandwich.
Shall I bring one along for you, too?
Let's all go out to eat!
