Lakeside Luncheon

We're keeping our streak alive, taking Sunday picnics to pretty nearby locations.  Today's picnic was just above Savage River Dam in Maryland.  The menu included:

Caramel Chicken Thighs

Edamame Salad. Greek Style

Fresh Garden Tomatoes and Peppers

Maple Caramel Pear Tart

 We couldn't find a picnic table, so we set up on a rock!  This worked just fine!  We had a great view:

The recipe for the chicken is from Cooking Light and can be found here.

I really enjoyed the salad, inspired by Cooking Light.

Edamame Salad, Greek Style

(Serves 2)

1 cup Edamame, frozen

Cook for 3 minutes.

Add:

1 tsp. Olive Oil

1 tsp. Red Wine Vinegar

1 tsp. Fresh Oregano

1 Cucumber, sliced thin (from my container garden)

1 Tbsp. Kalamata Olives, sliced

1 Tbsp. Gorgonzola Cheese 

The Pear Tart was made with 1 Asian Pear (purchased at the local Farmer's Market) and 2 Bartlett Pears.  Inspired by Better Nutrition Magazine.

Maple Caramel Pear Tart

(3 Individual Tarts)

Crust

1/4 cup Almon Flour

1/2 cup All Purpose Flour

1/2 cup Whole Wheat Pastry Flour

1Tbsp. & 1 tsp. Earth Balance Buttery Spread

1 1/2 tsp. Maple Syrup

1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

1 Egg (minus a little egg white)

Mix in food processor.  Divide into 3 and pressed into individual tart pans sprayed with Pam.

Pear Filling

1 Asian Pear

2 Bartlett Pears

Peel and slice thinly.  Add:

1 tsp. Fresh Lemon Juice

Add:

2/3 tsp. Brown Sugar

1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon

1/2 tsp. Ginger

1 Tbsp. Earth Balance Buttery Spread, melted  

Layer into tart shells.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, covered with foil.  Remove foil and bake 10 minutes more.  Remove from oven and cool 10 minutes before adding glaze.

Maple Caramel Glaze

1 1/2 tsp. Maple Syrup

2 tsp. Earth Balance Buttery Spread

2 tsp. Fat Free Evaporated Milk

Combine syrup and buttery spread in saucepan over medium heat.  Whisk mixture for 3 minutes.  Add milk and whisk 1 minute more.  Drizzle over tarts.

We actually shared 1 tart.

This turned out to be 1 of 3 days a year the Savage River Dam has a planned water release.  There were many rafters and kayaks riding the rapids, which made the day even better.  We planned this trip near by aging parents, where he stopped and visited (taking them meals and Boost) after!