Recipe: Freshly Squeezed Rosemary Lemonade

Last week, we shared a rosemary lemon drop cocktail.  It's so very refreshing, but for those days when imbibing isn't on the menu, we concocted a non-alcoholic version.  The display is as impressive as the flavor, so be sure to use a glass pitcher to show off the fresh ingredients!

Freshly Squeezed Rosemary Lemonade

• Juice of 10 lemons
• 6 oz. Liber & Co. Gum Syrup
• 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 1 cup water (plus or minus depending on how sweet or tart you like your lemonade)

Allow the rosemary to sit in a glass or bowl with the Liber syrup for a few hours to infuse. Combine all ingredients in large mason jar or pitcher (including rosemary sprigs) and shake to combine. Chill and serve over ice.  Can be refrigerated for an additional day or two after initial serving.

Summer Sandwhich Combos Part 2 - Apple & Brie Sandwiches with Strawberry, Raspberry Fruit Spread

Made with sliced green apples and mild brie cheese, this strawberry/raspberry jam sandwich combo could really be served for breakfast or lunch.  Presented on toasted rounds of thinly sliced baguette, these ingredients could make a lovely crostini for serving with wine in the evening.  Be sure to rub cut sides of your apple slices with a sliced lemon if you aren't serving immediately, so the apples don't brown.

Apple & Brie Sandwiches with Strawberry, Raspberry Fruit Spread

• Sarabeth’s Strawberry Raspberry Spreadable Fruit
• sliced of brie
• sliced green apple
• fresh sprig of rosemary

1. Slice bread to desired thickness and toast for a sturdier sandwich.  We grilled our in a grill pan with a brush of olive oil.
2. Spread the jam on each slice.  Alternate slices of green apple and brie.
3. Top with fresh rosemary.
4. Top with an additional slice of bread or serve open faced.

Foodie Tutorial: How to Wrap a Sandwich

If you're making a sandwich worth bragging about, don't ruin it by storing it in a ziploc bag! Elevate lunchtime by wrapping sandwiches in parchment. When opened, the parchment becomes your personal placemat.  

Summer Sandwhich Combos Part 1 - Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella, and Orange Marmalade Sandwiches

Jam, jellies, preserves and marmalades aren't just for breakfast anymore!  We love the savory-sweet combination of adding fruit spreads to our favorite sandwiches.  We have 3 combos to share and this sandwich made with seasonal heirloom tomatoes is a great place to start!  As always, fresh ingredients make a difference.  We started with fresh baked whole grain bread from a local bakery and heirloom tomatoes from a local farmer's market.  The marmalade takes the place of a traditional balsamic drizzle...sweet and far less messy for picnics and packed lunches!

Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella, and Orange Marmalade Sandwiches

• Whole grain or your favorite artisan bread
• Sarabeth’s Orange Apricot Marmalade
• Sliced fresh mozzarella
• Sliced heirloom tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves
• Pinch of sea salt

1. Slice bread to desired thickness and toast for a sturdier sandwich.  We grilled our in a grill pan with a brush of olive oil.
2. Spread the marmalade on each slice.  Layer with cheese, then slices tomatoes.
3. Top with fresh basil leaves and a pinch of sea salt.
4. Top with an additional slice of bread or serve open faced.

Roundup: Our Top Picnic Packing Tips

We've got picnic fever and what better way to prepare than with these packing tips we've gathered from around the web.  Whether you are roughing it in the wilderness, taking lunch to the park, or dining al fresco; there's a tip for anyone looking to make outdoor eating more practical.

1. Martha suggests packing in jars for convenience - also make a cute presentation...

2. The Burlap Bag suggests using a carrot as a knife carrier.  You could also use a block of cheese if you plan to eat it!  

3. Another genius idea from Martha for DIY bee & insect food covers using fabric and embroidery hoops. 

4. Similar to Japanese fabric gift wrapping, The Kitchn suggests tying up foods in a piece of cloth for ease of carrying.  We image creating several of these bundles (one for sandwiches, one for fresh fruits, etc..) and stuffing them all into our picnic basket.  When unwrapped, instant placemats are created!