West Virginia Picnic

 Living in the beautiful state of West Virginia, there are several state parks within driving distance!Today we traveled 50 miles to Cathedral State Park in Aurora.  It's a beautiful park with tall hemlock trees and hiking trails.  Our menu:

Roast Beef Salad with Blackberries and Gorgonzola

Watermelon

Honey Gorgonzola Fig Muffin

Blackberry Fool

I planned to cut my watermelon with star cookie cutters, but could not find one, so I used my West Virginia cutter instead:

I thought it was quite appropriate!

I cooked the roast beef in the slow cooker last night, inspired by a recipe in Food Network Magazine. 

Roast Beef with Blackberries and Gorgonzola
(Serves 3)

1/2 Beef Roast
4 sliced Cremini Mushrooms
1 6oz. bottle White Zinfandel
1 cup water
3/4 tsp. Beef Boullion, low sodium
2 sprigs fresh Thyme
1/2 cup Blackberries
Cook in crockpot 2 hours on high, then 1 hour on low.
Slice with electric knife.

I added grated Gorgonzola Cheese, 1/4 cup cooked millet, sweet pepper, grape tomatoes to each salad.

Fresh blackberries and steamed asparagus completed the salad.  I made our signature Honey Balsamic Dressing to top this awesome salad.

The Honey Gorgonzola Fig Muffins were a tasty side.  Finished with Blackberry Fool.  (I froze these after layering the Blackberry-Yogurt blend with a failed Chocolate Cupcake I crumbed prior to freezing.)

 Such a wonderful meal and day!