Month: July 2021

African yams have so much diversity. One minute, they are chocolate yam cookies, the next minute, they are pounded yam. Whatever the case is, I find this delicious ingredient is a serious sleep inducer. It must be the high carbohydrate content that sends little sleep fairies to your eyes. As much as you try, you can never win the sleep battle with yam.

That little detail however was not present in this recipe. I wonder;

“Is the format of consumption responsible for the sleep inducing factor?”

If you are new to West African or Nigerian Cuisine, African yams are typically consumed in a few acceptable formats. These are; boiled yam, fried yam, pounded yam, roasted yam and occasionally a battered version called Yamarita. So far these other versions leave you feeling heavy and fulfilled which translates to sleep. However, when I baked these cookies, the reverse was the case. if you are a food scientist and can explain, please leave a comment down below and let’s learn from you.

RECIPE FOR CHOCOLATE YAM COOKIES

Ingredients

1/2 Cup of Mashed Yam2 Tbsp Butter1/2 Cup All Purpose Flour1/4 Cup Brown Sugar2 Tsp Baking Powder1/4 Tsp Salt2 Tbsp Sweetened Cocoa Powder

Method

Mash your yam with the melted butter and salt.

Mix together, then add baking powder and brown sugar and mix.

Then add cocoa powder and flour and mix till a dough is formed.

Roll out the dough and cut cookies into desired shapes.

In a preheated oven of 350F, place your cookies in a greased baking pan and bake for 10 – 12 minutes.

Take out cookies and allow to cool.

You may drizzle extra chocolate on your chocolate yam cookies and grate some orange zest over them.

Serve with a side of coffee or tea or on its own.

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I had shared this simple Suya Pasta recipe on my instagram page almost three months ago and it was a hit! I think it was the simplicity of a lunch or dinner recipe that is ready in 20 minutes that made it a hit. It may also have been coming out of quarantine, we needed something delicious to take our minds of our realities. Personally, I make my suya at home but you can buy from a trusted, hygienic source. We are still dealing with the pandemic after all.

Some questions a few people had were;

“Can I use any type of pasta?”

My answer: Yes. From Spaghetti to Fusilli to Macaroni. I just chose to use Penne.

“What if I don’t have access to cooking cream, what can i use?”

My answer: You can use full cream milk and thicken with a bit of corn starch or flour mixed with water. However, if you can find cooking cream, use that.

“Can I use any type of meat for the same dish?”

My answer: Absolutely, if you do not have suya at home, use any protein you have and you can add some suya spice to the pasta sauce.

If you have more questions, please do not hesitate to leave them in the comment section and I will be happy to answer them. Now, on to the recipe.

RECIPE FOR SUYA PASTA

Ingredients (Serves 1)

1 Cup of Cooked Penne Pasta

1/4 Cup of Cooking Cream

1/4 Cup of Chopped Suya

A handful of Chopped Basil

1/4 Bulb of Onions (Chopped)

2 Pieces of Pepper (Chopped)

1/4 Tsp Crushed Ginger | Garlic Paste

1/2 Tbsp Melted Butter

1/4 Tsp Black Pepper

1/2 Tbsp Olive Oil

1/4 Tsp Seasoning

Method

Heat up your butter and olive oil

Stir fry your onions, peppers, crushed ginger and garlic

Add in your cooking cream and season with seasoning and black pepper

Add your cooked pasta and stir in.

Top with Suya and basil and serve hot. […]

PotsI typically get my pots from walmart or winners/homesense.
I like the masterclass brand as their pots look beautiful 🙂

Pans
I have one or two masterclass pan and recently got some Gotham Steel pans

Cast Iron
I got my set from Costco – Brand Tranmontina

Blender
I use a blendtec Designer 650

Food Processor
I have used my trusted Kenwood for years now with no issue

Mixer
This was a gift from my LIN family and I treasure this so much.
I use it occasionally when I want to feel fancy. Brand: Kitchen Aid.

Instant Pot
I bought into the hype and got a 9 in 1 pot.
I typically just use mine as a pressure cooker. We’ve used it for rice and to boil eggs in the past as well 🙂 […]

This is a spicy peppersauce common among Yoruba pepper. It’s pretty much a combination of Ayamase and Ata Dindin. This uses lots of OYEL so please, oil police look away. You can decant the oil once the sauce is done.
The secret to frying this properly is dividing up the oil so you use some to start it and the left over all to finish the sauce.

Ingredients

2-4 hot peppers
8 large red bell peppers (tatashe)
3 large onions
2-3 cups palm oil (divide)
1 cup chopped onion
Precooked meat and boiled eggs – To taste
1/2 cup crayfish
Salt and maggi cube – to taste

Video Recipe
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Directions

Combine peppers and onion in a blender. Process into a coarse texture.
Pour processed peppers into a strainer, set aside to drain out excess liquid
Set a large pot on medium-high heat, heat up half of the oil. Add in chopped onion and cooked meat. Cook until meat is browned.
 Add in the processed pepper. Cook for 10 minutes
Add in crayfish, salt and maggi and some broth or water. Add in extra meat (egg, shaki etc). Cover the pot and leave to cook for 25mins
Add in left over oil and continue to cook until oil floats to the top or the spirit of your ancestors whisper to you that the sauce is ready.
 Skim off any excess oil
Enjoy!!!

Related Posts […]

Nigerian Stewed Beans and Fried Plantain
God knows I love beans, honestly if I could only cook with one ingredient for the rest of my life it would most likely be beans.
I can’t even begin to count the number of incredible beans recipes I have on this blog, from Moimoi, to akara, to rice and beans (plain), rice and beans (coconut), rice and beans (jollof), Gbegiri, agoyin beans etc.
What defines a great dish of beans for me is texture, the beans should be super soft without being all mushy. My number one trick to achieving this is soaking . This greatly softens the beans making it cook faster without breaking apart. There are also other health benefits including potential reduction to the flatulence effect of beans.
So here is how to go about cooking that perfect Nigerian Stewed beans.
Ingredients

3 cups cleaned beans (brown or black eyed)
1/3 cup palm oil
2 tbspn coconut oil (optional)
1 large onion (minced)
1 cup stew base (substitute 1-2 tbspns ground pepper)*
1 tspn ginger powder
1/3 cup crayfish powder
2 maggi cubes (optional)
Salt – to taste

*You can blend 2 bell peppers, 1 hot pepper and 1/2 small onion as an alternative.
Want to use an instant pot to cook your beans? Watch this video
Direction

Soak the beans in lots of water. Leave to soak overnight or for up to 24hrs. Strain.

Place a large pot on medium-low heat, add in beans. Add in 6-8 cups of water. Simmer for 1 hour or until beans is soft to the touch. Turn off the heat and leave the beans in water while you make the sauce

Place another pan on medium heat, add in palm oil and coconut oil if using. Add in chopped onion. Fry until onion is well fried and golden.
Add in stew base, ginger, crayfish, maggi and salt. Simmer covered for 12-15 minutes

Strain the beans (but reserve the water).

o For thick “woroworo” Beans

Add strained beans into the sauce and 2/3 cup of strained beans water. Stir. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Cover and leave to simmer for 30 more mins on low-medium heat.

o For thick “mushy” beans

Remove 1/3 of the cooked beans from the strainer, mash until smooth. Add both mashed and unmashed beans into the sauce. Add 1-1.5 cups strained beans water. Stir. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Cover and leave to cook for 30 more mins on low-medium heat.

Enjoy beans with fried plain, warm bread or garri. […]

Beske is essentially fried tofu.
It is also called Wara Soya – Different from Wara made from daily milk.
See below video for how I make mine from scratch.
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I also wrote a tofu recipe a few years back. Let me know how it turns out if you do try it.

Related Posts […]

Don’t fret out if you don’t have thyme on hand coz there are a lot of substitutes for thyme that you can use instead. You’ll be surprised how a little detail like this could turn your dish extra delightful.
Thyme has many beneficial uses in both culinary and therapeutic sense. This aromatic herb has been used since ages ago even for fragrance and healing. It has also been added to hot teas for that invigorating experience and to different dishes in cooking.
Even today, thyme is ever popular for its culinary contribution especially in Italian dishes and other savory food. As for me, I love to use thyme in a variety of my recipes like sauces, seasoning mix, marinades, dressings, salads, and even bread. 

What Is The Flavor Of Thyme?
Thyme tastes a lot like individual ingredients to which it is usually named (ex. oregano thyme, orange thyme, caraway thyme and etc.). In addition, it is described to have a sharp lemony, minty, and aromatic sweet flavor.
Fresh vs Dried Thyme

When fresh thyme is dried it loses some of its nutrients, oil, and aroma. The color of the herb becomes dull too, although you can still use and swap both the fresh and dried forms in cooking.
Its flavor becomes more potent when it is dried. Drawing out moisture or water from the herb results in a denser but compact flavor of thyme. Add dried thyme at the end of the cooking process, for example in stews, then turn off the heat right away once you’ve stirred in the herb.
Fresh thyme has a lighter flavor. This means when using fresh thyme, more should be added in the recipe to achieve that bold thyme flavor.

Best Thyme Substitutes
Well of course the best substitute could be herbs of the same family as Thyme.
If a recipe calls for fresh Thyme, then you can substitute the dried form in place of the fresh ones like this Caribbean Rice and Beans Recipe.
Oregano – strong aromatic and sweet oregano flavor makes it a good substitute for thyme. We know that it’s best added to salads, vinaigrette, and tomato-based dishes such as pasta, pizza rolls, soups, and stews. You may equally substitute oregano for thyme.
Rosemary – the robust, minty, and peppery taste of this herb makes it nice to use instead of thyme. Well, I love to use this herb in my steak recipes. But you can also use it in other savory dishes and even in bread (like this Focaccia Bread). Use the equivalent amount to replace thyme in a recipe.
Basil – has a pungent-sweet, slightly peppery with a mellow anise taste. This herb is a favorite in Italian dishes and also goes well with other spices. Because thyme and basil are from the same family, you can use equal proportion in place of thyme.
Sage – its subtle piney mint- lemony taste behind the earthy flavor makes it a great substitute for thyme. Mostly used in creamy pasta, tomato-based dishes, and even in marinades and sauces. Substitute by using half of the amount of thyme needed in a recipe.
Marjoram – same with oregano, marjoram has that refreshing woody and minty flavor, but a layer of sweet delicate notes. Use the equivalent amount to replace thyme in a recipe.
Italian Seasoning – simply put it as Italian favorite herbs and spices blended together. Of course, that includes thyme. You can use equal proportion to substitute for Thyme.
Poultry Seasoning – an easy herb-based spice blend typically made with rosemary, thyme, marjoram, and sage, among others.
Can I Use Bay Leaves Instead of Thyme?
Considering that bay leaves give an aromatic subtle minty flavor, then it’s safe to say that it can be used to replace thyme for different recipes, most especially in beef, fish, and lamb-based stews and dishes.
Here’s how you can substitute: replace ¼ teaspoon of dried thyme or ½ teaspoon of fresh with a piece of dried bay leaf.
Are Thyme And Oregano The Same?
Though both of these herbs can be switched and combined in different dishes, Thyme and Oregano are not the same. They are both from different species of the Lamiaceae (mint family). Easily say that they are relatives and a part of the 600 species of their family.
Are you a big fan of thyme? What’s your favorite dish using thyme? […]

Nothing says comfort quite like Southern Comfort Food. Who else has fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, and collard greens? This list is actually quite long, and aren’t we glad?
What is comfort food? It’s food that brings back pleasant childhood memories, makes us feel better on a bad day, and, best of all, it’s fast and easy to make. Southerners have gotten this down to an art. The following list is my favorite Southern comfort food recipes. 
Breakfast Southern Comfort Foods
1. Buttermilk Biscuits

Easy Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits are the epitome of Southern comfort food. These buttery and soft layers of absolute flakiness are made from scratch with just a few simple ingredients.
This recipe is so versatile and easy it will soon be your go-to for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or afternoon snacks! And you’ll need them for the next recipe.
2. Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

Hashbrown casserole is a favorite when we run into Cracker Barrel for breakfast during our travels.
This easy-to-make-ahead classic breakfast casserole with tender hashbrowns, bacon, and cheese baked until hot and bubbly makes the whole family happy.
Assembling it the night before and baking it the next morning is a great way to start the day.
3. Cheese Grits

Grits are almost as necessary at a Southern meal as biscuits. Corn has made the best porridge for millenniums, with recipes found even in ancient Rome.
It’s especially filling when served with eggs and sausage or bacon! Add some cheddar cheese, and it gets even better.
Southern Comfort Main Courses
4. Southern Fried Chicken

No list of Southern comfort food would be complete without classic Southern fried chicken.
Juicy chicken soaked in buttermilk, then covered with a crunchy, crusty, and spicy breading is a winner every time.
5. BBQ Pulled Pork

Slow roasting a pork roast rubbed with a delicious homemade spice mix for several hours makes it melt-in-your-mouth, easy, and tender pulled pork that tastes as good (or better) as those in your favorite BBQ spot.
No worries about the time; you don’t need to slave over the stove all day; just put it in the oven and relax.
6. Cajun Shrimp and Grits

I love shrimp, and I love grits. What could be better than putting them together in this awesome and spicy Cajun Shrimp and Grits?
I have to admit that this is a more recent addition to the list of Southern comfort foods, but we won’t hold that against anyone. A side of collard greens with vinaigrette makes the perfect meal.
7. Chicken Fried Steak

Why not fix a cubed steak just like fried chicken? Buttermilk and a flavorful flour mixture coats tender beef, and then it’s pan-fried until crispy brown.
The creamy milk gravy creates a comforting family meal experience. Not only that, it’s economical, filling, and easy to prepare, just what comfort food should be.
8. Chicken and Dumplings

We can’t forget this deliciously creamy and hearty chicken stew made even more nutritious and flavorful with celery, peas, and carrots. I love to add a hint of cayenne pepper.
Some people think of thick noodles when they think of dumplings. However, my version is the one with biscuit-like dumplings. Yum!
9. Southern Fried Catfish

The British have their fish and chips (see my recipe HERE), while we have classic Southern fried catfish.
It all depends on what’s available where you are. In England, they have cod, and here we have catfish. Dip it in buttermilk, bread it with spicy seasoned cornmeal, and fry it to perfection for almost healthy comfort food.
10. Brunswick Stew

When the weather is rainy or chilly, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of thick, hearty stew.
This Brunswick stew is an entire meal in a pot with vegetables and meat in a chicken broth spiced up with a BBQ-based sauce and Creole seasoning. 
Southern Comfort Sides & Snacks
11. Fried Okra

Okra is one of my favorite vegetables, and it is traditionally fried or used in gumbo.
Some people complain that it’s slimy, but not this recipe with the okra covered in a cornmeal and flour batter and fried until golden brown.
I can’t stay away from them, especially when served with this awesome Immaculate Bites Remoulade Sauce.
12. Boiled Peanuts

Boiled peanuts are a wonderful dish in African. However, we don’t boil it as long, resulting in peanuts with a little more crunch than Southerners are used to. Not a problem.
It’s the perfect snack for those odd moments you get the munchies, and it’s healthy. Fresh Corn on the Cob goes well with this dish if you prefer to have it as a meal.
13. Pimento Cheese

Oh, yum! Sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and sweet-spicy pimento peppers make for an addictive appetizer that goes perfectly with crackers, veggies, sandwiches, and burgers! Nuf said! 😍
14. Easy Deviled Eggs

The first time I saw a sign for boneless chicken on a bowl of boiled eggs, I thought I was going to die laughing. However, the truth is that eggs are a very economical and delicious way to get extra protein.
These Easy Deviled Eggs are filling with mayonnaise, mustard, sweet pickle relish, and Creole seasoning for a kick of heat, and they’re low-carb, for those who are counting.
15. Air Fryer Hush Puppies

There’s nothing like biting into a deep-fried ball of cornbread flavored with onion. Crispy on the outside and steamy tender on the inside.
This particular super-easy comfort food recipe gives you a healthier, air-fried version of this classic cornmeal treat without sacrificing any of the goodness.
16. Southen-Style Collard Greens

Southern-style collard greens slowly simmered in a flavorful and spicy broth loaded with ham hocks and spices is the ultimate comfort food. It’s considered a wild cabbage, which explains why this dish is so good for you.
17. Southern Black-Eyed Peas

Southern black-eyed peas or Hoppin’ John is hearty, warm soul food. Black-eyed peas have a natural smokey flavor that pairs well with bacon. Ham will be a good choice if you don’t have bacon.
18. Southern-style Cornbread

In the South, cornbread can be bread or a dessert. It just depends on how sweet you make it and what you serve it with.
This super moist, buttery cornbread recipe has the perfect crumb and crispy edges. It goes great with beans and collards, or if you prefer it as a dessert, pour some honey over it and enjoy.
Southern Drinks
19. Southern Sweet Tea

Sweet tea is iconic for Southern cuisine. This refreshing and thirst-quenching drink is made with 5 simple ingredients that you can adjust to your tastes. So refreshing on a hot day!
20. Mint Julep

If you want something a little boozier, this alcoholic drink is another classic Southern beverage that is so comforting after a hard hot day
The cooling effect of mint mixed with just the right amount of bourbon and sugar poured over crushed ice is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby.
Southern Comfort Desserts
21. Homemade Banana Pudding

When my family wants some serious comfort food, they clamor for this classic Southern no-bake dessert, and I’m happy to make it.
This dessert made with layers of vanilla wafers, fresh banana slices, whipped cream, and vanilla custard, all made from scratch, is incredibly easy to make ahead.
22. Pecan Pie

There’s nothing quite like biting into a piece of deliciousness like the classic pecan pie. The creamy, custardy filling topped with toasted pecans and set in a flaky, buttery crust is one of the easiest pie you’ll ever make.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and a cup of coffee is pure heaven!
23. Sweet Potato Casserole

I listed this as a dessert because it is a sweetheart of a dish. However, I saw it served as a side at a Thanksgiving dinner and had no complaints.
The crunchy buttery pecan brown sugar and toasted gooey mini marshmallows on top are a wonderful addition to any holiday meal.
24. Easy Peach Cobbler

A delicious summer dessert made with tender, juicy fresh peaches and a crusty, buttery biscuit-like topping.
It’s so easy to make from scratch, and if peaches aren’t in season, don’t fret it; you can use frozen or canned peaches and enjoy this one all year long!
25. Tea Cakes

Teacakes are an awesome treat that originated in England to be served at tea time. They were taken to another level in the South and are now served on special occasions.
This addictive Southern baked treat boasts faint notes of nutmeg, vanilla, and lemon zest. All you need is a cup of hot tea or coffee, and you’re set!
26. 7UP Pound Cake

Lemon-lime cake, otherwise known as 7UP cake in the South, is a welcomed classic at many picnics. This cake is so easy to throw together that many Southerners have the ingredients on hand so they can gift it to friends who need comfort.

Looking for more recipes? Follow on… […]

meet Imma

Hey there, I’m Imma. As an all-around working mom, quick and easy dishes are total life savers.  I’m here to share with you my passion of comfort food around the world (at home!) – one delicious recipe at a time. Let’s get cookin’! 

FOLLOW ALONG | […]

Simple and refreshing Cold Picnic Recipes to bring on your next picnic starring salads, desserts, and sandwiches. Amazingly delicious and crave-worthy food ideas perfect for the whole family! Absolutely no heating required and can be enjoyed cold. 

The goal in every picnic is to bring foods that are easy to pack and with only a few utensils to use. And since bringing a cooking set to a picnic is much of a hassle, it’s better to bring food that can be enjoyed even when cold. Nobody likes cold soup and solidified grease in their food anyway.

Luckily, I have several Cold Picnic Recipes to help you in planning your next picnic menu. Featuring hand-held snacks you can eat mess-free and no more need for utensils. Well, except for salad which you only need a fork and a small plate at least. 😉 

Salad Recipes

1. Easy Pasta Salad

You can’t go wrong with this cold picnic food full of vibrant and bright colors. Both refreshing to the eyes and belly! A quick and easy pasta salad you can easily customize with your favorite meat deli and fresh produce. 

2. Watermelon Salad

Cayenne pepper and hot sauce in a salad? Are you crazy? Oh yes! I’m crazy about this Watermelon Salad! Every spoon is an explosion of contrasting flavors of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors you’re surely gonna love. Truly mouthwatering! 😉 

3. Red Potato Salad

Don’t you just love quick and easy picnic food ideas? I bet you’re gonna love this savory Red Potato Salad that can be made in 15 minutes. Yeah! It’s creamy and it’s chunky! Made with Mayonnaise dressing seasoned with Creole Seasoning. What’s not to love? 

4. Ambrosia Salad

There’s no surprise if this salad is already included in your go-to picnic recipes. A fantastic salad starring grapes, pineapple, cherries, and tangerines. With complex textures from mini marshmallows, chopped pecans, and coconut flakes. What a lovely surprise perfect for a summer picnic! 

5. Tropical Fruit Salad

What’s a more perfect cold picnic food than this tropical fruit salad? Full of wonderful flavor combinations from fresh fruits tossed in a refreshing citrusy and sweet dressing. You’re surely gonna love every bite of this tropical delight!

Dessert Recipes

6. Apple Pie

For me, the best picnic food will always be Apple Pie. Why not? The apple filling is full of wonderful flavors from cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ground ginger. With buttery and flaky Homemade Pie Crust to complete the classic family favorite. Aah! So irresistibly good!

7. Lemon Bars

Your picnic escapades won’t be complete without these sweet and citrusy lemon bars. A perfect ensemble of buttery shortbread crust and gooey lemon filling. The perfect balance of sweetness and tartness screams nothing but happiness in every bar! 

8. Apple Turnover

Mess-free hand-held treats you can make in 30 minutes! Made with Homemade Pie Crust filled with cinnamon caramel sauce and fresh apples. And these are baked to perfection to achieve their crispy and flaky crust. Aahh! A delicious treat that can double as a snack and dessert perfect for the whole family!

9. Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

Who can’t resist good crispy cookies with a soft center? Ahh! An extremely addicting snack the whole family will surely enjoy! So, If I were you I’d totally double the recipe coz’ a batch is always not enough. So sinful but totally worth all the calories! 

10. Banana Bread Muffins

Fill your kitchen with the lovely aroma of freshly baked banana bread muffins. Ahh! So fluffy, moist, and decadent – all you want in a perfect banana bread muffins are here. So easy to make and comes together quickly. An awesome snack that can double as breakfast as well. 

You can also add cream cheese frosting to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. 😉 

Bread and Sandwich Recipes

11. South African Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Grilled Cheese Sandwich with a twist! You’ll be surprised by the addition of Mango Chutney in this recipe. A luscious condiment that perfectly blends well with caramelized onions, fresh tomatoes, and cheese. A great addition to the picnic lunch ideas collection! 

I recommend making this with my Homemade White Bread to make it more fantastic! 😉

12. Cucumber Sandwiches

Munch on these finger sandwiches presented in lovely little discs. Pleasing to the eyes and equally delicious with its scrumptious homemade mayo-based spread which perfectly matched fresh thin cucumber slices. Simple yet so elegant best enjoyed at picnics, parties, and potlucks. 

13. Ham and Cheese Sliders

Indulge yourself with these filling and satisfying classic comfort food featuring ham and cheese. Filled with a lip-smacking sauce made with honey, butter, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Add a kick of heat with a little splash of hot sauce for an awesome surprise! 

14. Pizza Rolls

How about a little makeover for your pizza? Made with Homemade Pizza Dough, Pizza Sauce, cheese, Italian sausage, and lots of herbs. Don’t be shy to add in your favorite pizza toppings, too! Same delicious taste but in compact form. What a great way to enjoy pizza more. Perfect for picnics, getaways, and even parties! 

15. Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels

Drool over this mouthwatering creamy and tasty chicken tortilla pinwheels. Flour Tortillas stuffed with Cajun flavored Shredded Chicken, bacon, cheese, baby spinach, cream cheese, and more. Guaranteed family-friendly snack or lunch you can serve hot or cold. Truly comforting in every bite!

Let me know in the comment section which of these cold picnic recipes is your favorite. For more recipes like this, please see my collections of 30 Best Picnic Food Ideas and 30 Summer Recipes.

I hope you all have a fun-filled picnic with your loved ones. Enjoy!

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