Spring Family Picnics Made Easy DITCH THE STRESS, EMBRACE THE FUN
When was the last time you gathered the family, threw down a blanket, and enjoyed a meal together in the warm sun? A picnic is the perfect springtime activity, but the planning and food prep can make it seem like more hassle than it’s worth. The truth is, however, that picnics don’t have to be complicated. Here are four tips for planning easy family picnics. PICK THE PERFECT PICNIC SPOT. When choosing a location for your picnic, think about how your family would like to spend the day. A park with open fields and playground equipment keeps kids entertained between bites, but a park isn’t the only option. The beach, a local lake, or a mountain picnic area are all fantastic for a family picnic. Just remember bug spray and sunscreen and find a shady spot on hot days. DON’T OVERTHINK THE MENU. Picnics are all about the food, but that doesn’t mean you have to fuss over the menu. Keep things simple, and choose items that can withstand time outside the cooler. Easy-to-eat options like sandwiches, fruit, and finger foods are tasty and quick to prepare. Add variety with veggies and hummus or cheese and crackers.
For an extra treat, grab premade cookies or brownies. Lemonade, juice, and fruit-infused water are refreshing options and keep everyone hydrated without the caffeine. Bring an insulated cooler for drinks and food, and don’t forget wet wipes for easy cleanup.
CREATE A COZY, KID-FRIENDLY SETUP. The picnic blanket is a great start, but you can take things up a notch with a few extras. Plush blankets, throw pillows, and lawn chairs offer comfortable sitting and lounging options. Pack entertainment as well; outdoor games, like Frisbee and ring toss, and a portable speaker to add to the fun. DON’T FORGET — IT’S ABOUT FAMILY! Family outings shouldn’t be stressful; the best ones are sometimes the simplest. Instead of worrying about perfect details, focus on spending time together outdoors, relaxing, and enjoying good food and even better company.
YOUR MONTHLY NEED-TO-KNOWS
Asparagus Cashew Rice Pilaf
IMPORTANT OFFICE HOURS TO KNOW: Our office will be closed from Monday, May 5, to Friday, May 9. We will return to normal business hours on Monday, May 12! We’ll also be closed on Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day. CAN YOU REALLY LOSE YOUR VISION BY STARING AT A SOLAR ECLIPSE? While warnings of complete blindness are exaggerated, solar eclipses can damage your eyesight. Solar retinopathy is when bright sunlight damages the retina on the back of your eye. Always wear your eclipse goggles! HOW MANY DREAMS DOES THE AVERAGE PERSON HAVE IN ONE NIGHT? While you may only remember a single dream from last night, the average person has 3–5 dreams every night! The length of a dream can range from just a few seconds to 30 minutes. WHERE IS THE FOGGIEST PLACE ON EARTH? Head to the easternmost province of Canada, the island of Newfoundland, to visit the foggiest place on Earth: the Grand Banks. Due to the cold northern Labrador Current and the warm Gulf Stream from the south, the Grand Banks spends nearly 200 days a year in complete fog!
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
INGREDIENTS
1. In a medium saucepan over medium- low heat, melt butter. 2. Stir in spaghetti and cook until coated and lightly browned. 3. Stir in onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes until tender. 4. Stir in rice and cook for 5 minutes. Add the broth and season with salt and pepper. 5. Bring mixture to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and cook for 20 minutes. 6. In a separate saucepan, cover asparagus with water and cook until tender. Drain water. 7. Mix asparagus and cashews into rice and serve warm. DIRECTIONS
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1/4 cup butter
2 oz uncooked spaghetti, broken into bite-size pieces 1/4 cup minced onion 1/2 tsp minced garlic 1 1/4 cups uncooked jasmine rice 2 1/4 cups vegetable broth Salt and pepper, to taste 1/2 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces 1/2 cup cashew halves
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