Pack a Picnic & Read a Book: August is National Picnic Month, this Tuesday is Book Lover’s Day!

Yes, that's a copy of The Perfect Drink. Who says you can study cocktails while picnicing?

This Tuesday, take the day off of work. Go for a walk. Play at the park. Spend a day at the beach. Whatever you do, make sure you bring a book and a picnic lunch, as August 9th is Book Lover's Day and the month of August is National Picnic Month.

Prepping for your picnic? Here are some easy picnic food ideas that you can wrap (did you see what I did there?) together quickly. Simply spread, wrap, throw in the cooler and you are good to go.

Picnic Basket Menu:

Ham and Cheese-Pimiento Sandwich Wraps
Cucumber Pineapple Mandarin Orange Salad
Frozen Cherries
Beverage and Book of Choice!

Ham & Cheese-Pimiento Sandwich Wraps

6 whole wheat wraps
½ pound ham slices, from the deli
Homemade cheese pimiento spread

For Cheese Pimiento Spread

Combine ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 cups grated cheddar cheese, ½ cup chopped red pimiento sandwich toppers, 1 tablespoon sugar.

To Assemble Wrap

Spread the cheese pimiento all over the wrap. Lay out 2 large ham slices. Roll up the wrap tightly. Wrap in plastic and aluminum foil. Refrigerate till ready to pack.

Cucumber Pineapple Salad

Combine and toss in a bowl: 1 whole cucumber, cut in cubes, 1 small can pineapple chunks, drained, 1 small can mandarin orange slices, drained. Drizzle a a few tablespoons of rice wine vinegar combined with a teaspoon of honey.

Happy picnicking / reading!

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Elizabeth Quirino believes that “food brings the world together.” She loves to cook, develop recipes, photograph & write about her culinary adventures on her 2 blogs Asian in America & The Queen's Notebook. Outside the kitchen, Elizabeth paints watercolors, reads everything and ends every week with ballroom dancing. For great food stories find her on Facebook and follow AnalystQueen on Twitter.