Porch Drinks & Picnic Foods | Fresh Recipes for Slow Summer Gatherings
Some of my favorite memories begin with a few homemade dishes and people willing to linger a little longer. This collection brings together the recipes from my Porch Drinks & Picnic Foods series so you can easily find them all in one place. Choose a favorite or build an entire menu, then make it your own as you gather with family and friends.
This collection is organized into three sections to make planning your next gathering a little easier. Start with a refreshing drink, choose a main dish or snack to share, and mix and match recipes to create a meal that fits your occasion.
~ Please credit if you reproduce. Even when a recipe is highly adapted I will still credit who it was adapted from ~Porch Drinks
A refreshing place to begin.
1.) Sharbat → [Watch the video here]
This was my absolute favorite “forgotton,” drink we tried in my Historical Health drinks video. It is so fruity and refreshing and naturally sweet without adding tons of sugar.
2.) Sparkling Watermelon Limonana → [Watch the video here]
This drink is uniquely inspired by myself, and a typical limonana cocktail. My birthday was in July and I wanted to treat myself to a fun drink. Ever since I was little I LOVED watermelon, so I knew I wanted to use that as my main flavor. If you have followed my other drink recipes, you might know how much I love creating simple syrups. I have tried many varieties including; raspberry, darjeeling, lemon balm, rose, and now watermelon! Summertime is when I crave the bubbles, so I went with sparkling.
3.) Egyptian Lemonade (Kashkab) → [View Full Blog]
Another fun historical drink that is thought to be the original lemonade. Its bright citrus flavor and cooling herbs make it a timeless favorite that's just as enjoyable today as it was centuries ago.
MAIN DISHES
<General Information, Educational Purposes
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1.) Egg Salad Tramezzini → [Recipe Here]
Egg salad may seem simple, but this recipe is DELICIOUS. A while back I had visited the Mad Hatter Tea Cafe and ordered an egg salad sandwich with capers. This was one of those moments where I was thoroughly enjoying my food while thinking, why the heck didn’t I think of this! Eggs, mustard, capers…That is a true Italian Tramezzini if I ever knew one! Pay em a visit if you happen to be in the area: [Mad Hatter Cafe]
2.) St. Paul Cabbage Rolls→ [Watch the video here]
This recipe honestly comes from my garage-sale and book addiction. Getting into farmers markets and using up produce at the store calls for trying new recipes! Find the original recipe with the page number linked in references.
3.) Persian Kebabs → [Recipe Here]
You know when you crave a specific flavor from from the past? I got to craving a good kebab and found a few recipes. Highly inspired by Persian traditions and seasonings! Inspiration linked in references :)
Snacks & Sides
1.) Chinese Tea Eggs → [Original Recipe]
Chinese tea eggs are a timeless snack transforming a simple ingredient into something beautiful and flavorful. Simmered with tea and warming spices, each egg develops a delicate marbled pattern and is rich in savory taste. Great to enjoy as a snack, share around the table, OR use in your egg salad sandwich mentioned above! They're sure to spark conversation and curiosity.
2.) Grilled or Dried Fruit → [Watch the video here]
Grilling isn't just for savory dishes. Fresh fruit takes on a whole new character over the flames. If done right it transforms. Becoming sweeter with subtle caramelized notes and a hint of smokiness. I chose peaches and apricots for this recipe, but don't be afraid to experiment with other seasonal favorites like watermelon or pineapple even.
3.) Meat & Cheese → [Purchase here]
What began as a practical way to preserve and enjoy cured meats has evolved into one of the most beloved ways to gather around food. A few slices of meat, your favorite cheeses, and a handful of crackers create a simple spread that's perfect for sharing and easy to customize with seasonal additions.
A Herbal Mocktails Workshop
Discover how herbs, mineral salts, and simple ingredients can transform everyday drinks into vibrant herbal mocktails.
Virtual Recording
During this workshop we will explore:
• building simple herbal mocktails at home
• how mineral salts and saline solutions enhance flavor
• tasting herbs through aroma and texture
• creating inclusive alcohol-free drinks for gatherings
• creative ways to experiment with herbs in beverages
Welcome!
Hey, I’m Brit. I help you blend the comfort of the kitchen with the care of the apothecary.
Currently Loving
Welcome to your blank materia medica pages, thoughtfully designed to guide your herbal learning journey. Across eight pages you will find creative and detailed prompts that encourage deep exploration on each plant’s unique properties, uses, and energetic qualities.
Study the applications and uses from various angles in time and space (aka your kitchen and apothecary). Note the organ affinity and aromas you personally notice.
Use these pages as your personal resource to cultivate a rich understanding and connection with the plants you work with. Download and reuse forever!
A daily reference to help you stay in-tune with yourself. Set a reminder to check in daily, and use this as a general guide. Optionally journal your reflections, set aside 5 minutes a day to reflect.
Concluding thoughts
Good food has a way of bringing people together and creating opportunities for conversation, laughter, and memories that last long after the table is cleared. Thank you for joining me around the table. I hope these recipes inspire you to step outside and create meaningful moments with the people you love. If you try one of the recipes, I'd love to hear about your experience or see your creations shared with the ThatBrainyB community.
Other Recipes & Mentioned Resources
Sprouted Branch → [Read More]
Historical Health Drinks → [View Here]
Cabbage Rolls Recipe: Recipe is on pg. → [Check it out]
Mad Hatter Tea Cafe → [View here]
Grilled Fruit Inspiration → [View]
This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly support and use or just really enjoy. Thank you so much for supporting my small business!
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