Spring Picnics

Tulips and blooming trees at Sherwood Garden in Baltimore

Baltimore has an annoyingly short time frame where the weather is perfect for picnics (for example, today is supposed to be 88 degrees, humid, and rainy- and it's still May). These pictures were taken in April, at Sherwood Gardens, when the weather was breezy and comfortable. Spring-like days are in short supply here, so I try to live it up on weekends with picnics, a game of Frisbee, and relaxation in the park.

Sherwood Gardens is a 6 acre park in the fancy pants neighborhood of Guilford, in north Baltimore. It's open to the public, year round, but the best time to visit the park is late April to early May when the tulips are in full bloom (according their website, they have approximately 80,000 tulips).


Nick ready to eat

So on this particular weekend picnic day I made tabbouleh and what I call 'falafel muffuletta' sandwiches for us to munch on. A traditional Italian muffuletta is stuffed with various meats (mortadella, ham, salami) and cheeses with olive spread. My vegetarian falafel muffuletta consists of homemade falafel patties, cheese, avocado, sliced pepperoncini and Roma tomatoes, with a hearty drizzle of balsamic vinegar, and homemade olive spread (made of Kalamata olives, green olives, capers and a few other select ingredients and herbs) on ciabatta bread.

Let the eating commence!

The sandwiches are great for packed lunches because it does not have to be heated. Plus, like the traditional muffuletta, it tastes better the longer it sits!

Up close and personal with the falafel muffuletta

Banana Sundae

You don't have to use those overripe bananas solely for banana bread or muffins. Once they become overripe, slice them and freeze them. Later you can use them to make smoothies or, my personal favorite, to make a mega quick sundae. (Note: This works wonderfully if you are in dire need of munching on a frozen dessert but are too lazy to go to the store, i.e. me on most days. Plus, bananas are good for you!)

Ninja, assassinate those ingredients!

Banana Sundae
2 bananas, frozen and sliced
2-3 tablespoons of milk (or you can use soy milk, cream, or half-and-half)
1 teaspoon of honey
1 heaping tablespoon of peanut butter

Place the ingredients in a blender and blend the dickens out of them.

Blend the ingredients until smooth.

Scoop the banana mixture into a bowl and top with your desired topping. Easy peasy!

Banana sundae topped with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and roasted peanuts.

Please note that it will have to be eaten immediately because it melts fast.