These casual Bastille Day picnic recipes provide a nice variety of appetizers, fruit salads, savory salads, tartines, and pastries, all with a decidedly French twist and perfect for packing in a picnic basket.
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Flickr user supaflyIndulge your whims by using arugula or baby spinach - or whatever tasty greens you have on hand - in this cantaloupe and prosciutto salad recipe. Sweet, juicy melon and dry, cured ham is a classic flavor combination that makes for a surprisingly filling entree salad. This cantaloupe prosciutto salad can be changed and customized with your favorite vinaigrette - try a raspberry or peppercorn version for special punch.
Mar MarIf you’re short on time and need a sophisticated appetizer, this herbed white bean puree recipe is wonderful. It takes less than five minutes to prepare and the herbes de Provence accent the silky white beans with understated elegance.
Flickr user sporkistThis roasted potato salad recipe is an easy, year-round dish made with readily available, affordable ingredients. Serve the herb roasted potato salad hot and fresh from the oven, or chill it in the refrigerator for a day and serve the salad cold as a healthy side dish.
R. ChidambaramAccompany this luscious honeyed fruit salad recipe with a baguette, assorted cheese, and a bottle of spicy-sweet sparkling dessert wine for a lovely Bastille Day picnic.
Jane GassnerThe beauty of this heirloom tomato tartine recipe is its simplicity. Heirloom tomatoes are famous for their amazing garden-fresh flavor and aroma. To cover up those sought-after qualities with anything more than salt and pepper would be a waste of delicious fruit. Just layer the fresh, sliced tomatoes on hearty French country bread for a fantastic unfussy dinner.
Charles HaynesThis ham and Gruyere croissants recipe makes a savory twist on the cafe staple. Shaved ham and nutty Gruyere cheese are baked right into the warm and buttery dough, turning the classic flaky pastry into a hearty, standalone meal. Serve it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Deliciously fresh-flavored, this peach tartlets recipe is easy to make and deftly fits into a number of menu themes. For a special occasion, serve the lightly spiced peach tarts with vanilla bean ice cream and a garnish of finely chopped, crystallized ginger.
©Jess LanderThese raspberry-filled pastries, also known as raspberry bottereaux, are best served just minutes after frying them. The jam filling is warm and the pastry is flaky and crisp. Dust the pastry with confectioners’ sugar and serve immediately with café crème for a cozy breakfast or coffee break.
©FoéÖþoooeyWhen one thinks of palmiers – the tiny scroll-like pastries - sweet, flaky cookies come to mind. These cookies are just that – with a touch of comforting, caramelized cinnamon.
Eliza AdamThese chocolate madeleines are a chocolate lover's dream come true. Rich genoise batter is swirled with melted bittersweet chocolate to make indulgent, little sponge cakes. The elegant cakes are perfect for luncheons or hostess gifts.
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