If you didn’t know, July is National Picnic Month. What better way to celebrate the outdoors and connect with friends than through a picnic. If you want to make a dish ahead of time, consider making a fermented vegetable side dish or a gelatin dessert beforehand. On a time crunch? Find the perfect sandwich to bring for your next beach day in Summer: A Cookbook. With these cookbooks, you can bring delicious dishes to create and elevate your picnic spread.
In this beautiful 10th Anniversary Edition, there is an additional 65 new recipes, new entries, four new fermentation techniques, and an even bigger emphasis on zero-waste processes. Fermentation offers a multitude of benefits for your gut. You’ll be able to bring side dishes like Sauerkraut, kimchi, and other pickled delights to pack a punch for your next picnic.
Voted a Food &Wine Best New Book, Stuzzichini shares over 100 easy-to-make snacks and memorable sips. You can find mouth-watering bites from sage & brown butter popcorn to prosciutto cups with melon and burrata filling. These small bites, dips, toasts, and pastries can help any picnic feel like an aperitivo hour in Italy.
There is a culinary tradition nestled in the Old Town of San Sebastián, Spain that is like any other—the pintxo. Pintxos are small dishes found in bars in Basque Country. These are well-thought out dishes that distill ingredients and creative cooking techniques into just a few bites. With over 70 recipes, bar profiles, and histories, this cookbook is great for curious eaters who are interested in learning about Basque’s dynamic food culture.
Summer cooking usually means keeping things loose since it’s so hot outside. With more than 100 seasonally inspired recipes, you can enjoy the heat with great food and minimal effort. Make Landlubber’s Lobster Rolls or Fantastic Focaccia Sandwiches for the perfect beach day or mix up a grilled Shrimp Louie salad for your next barbeque. What’s a better wat to finish the day with a Five-Minute Frosé and Six Sensational Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Gelatin is one of the most underrated ingredients and is making a huge comeback in the culinary scene. These colorful, wobble-filled recipes will bring much awe to your gathering, without people knowing just how easy these dishes and drinks are to make. From desserts like the Gimmie S’more Wiggle to savory dishes like the Goats ‘n’ Beets, there’s a dish here for everyone.
One ingredient to really take advantage of during the summer is tomatoes! This incredible collection of 100 recipes can help you enjoy tomatoes year round. For your next picnic, consider bringing a gazpacho to cool off from the heat or a tomato risotto that’s packed with umami. Focus more on enjoying the outdoors and less time stressing over what dish to bring for your gathering.
Emily Hoang is a writer and editor, who is obsessed with haunted houses, ghosts, and dreams. More info can be found on her website.
