Picnic Time

Enlarge Image Image Gallery This picnic menu is full of fresh flavors that will perk up your summer cuisine. Joe Coca

Bring a taste of the garden to your favorite summer dishes by featuring fresh, delicious herbs in every bite. These fun variations on classic picnic recipes showcase your homegrown flavors.

Summer Picnic Menu

Iced Herb Gazpacho
Fresh Tarragon Potato Salad
Herb Fried Chicken
Chocolate-Peppermint Fudge 

Quick Tips for Cooking with Herbs

While you're preparing this delicious herb-flavored fare, keep these tips in mind:

• The flavors and aromas of fresh herbs are more complex and delicate than those of dried herbs.
• If you must store fresh herbs, do so in the refrigerator. Cold slows down deterioration.
• Herbs grown in full sun generally are more flavorful than those grown in a hothouse or in shade.
• Make sure herbs are completely dry before cutting them. Wet herbs stick to your knife and turn to mush.
• Use a very sharp knife for chopping herbs.
• Most herbs are best added only during the last 15 minutes of cooking so their aromatic oils remain intact.

Iced Herb Gazpacho

Serves 4 to 6

This healthy, easy summer recipe is best when it’s made from garden-fresh ingredients. Chill for at least an hour or two before serving.

• 6 large tomatoes
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, pressed
• 1/2 cucumber
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 3 sprigs basil leaves
• 3 sprigs cilantro leaves
• 3 sprigs parsley leaves
• Salt and pepper

1. In a food-processor bowl, roughly purée the tomatoes, garlic, cucumber, red pepper flakes, vinegar and oil.
2. Add scallions and herbs, then pulse just until they’re chopped. (If you let the machine run, you’ll end up with a brownish mess.)
3. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. If possible, chill overnight before serving so the flavors can blend.

Fresh Tarragon Potato Salad

Serves 4 to 6

Redolent with fresh garlic and tarragon, this unusual blend adds a touch of country French to an American picnic table. Substitute fresh dill or cilantro if you don’t like tarragon.