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A Picnic in the Park with Friends

June 29, 2017 By Jess Leave a Comment

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Ok friends, I have been dreaming of owning a picnic basket one day and putting it to very good use. Now I can happily say I’m the proud owner of a picnic basket and I have many picnics planned for this summer!

Picnic in the Park with Friends & Alforno | cookinginmygenes.com

I have been having picnics with friends since I was about 13 or 14 years old. My friend Heather and I would ride our bikes to meet-up about half-way between our two houses, somewhere near beautiful Lake Ontario.  My mom would help me pack some snacks including cheese and a baguette (yes my obsession with cheese and bread started at a very young age, thanks mom!)

I’ve even had picnics in a canoe (yes how Canadian can you get, ha!) My friend Corinne and I head out to the mountains for the day, find a lake to paddle on and just enjoy our picnic while out on the water.

Picnic is defined by dictionary.com as ‘an excursion or outing in which the participants carry food with them and share a meal in the open air,’ so it seems we’ve been getting it right since I was young.

There is just something about being out in nature, hanging out with a best friend and eating some delicious food – to me that is what having a picnic is all about.

And, that is where my favourite place in Calgary comes into play because Alforno Bakery & Café is going to be offering ‘picnics to-go’ just in time for the Summer!

Picnic in the Park with Friends & Alforno | cookinginmygenes.com

I grabbed my friends, Kristan and Kendall and we headed out to Prince’s Island Park in Calgary to test out Alforno’s picnic offering and oh my we were in food heaven. Alforno’s picnic hits all the right notes for me…. Sandwiches, fresh baked bread and of course, cheese!

The cheese board was the perfect way to start the picnic. Accompanied by apples, a flavourful fruit chutney and crostini, their assortment of soft and hard cheeses rotates to keep things exciting and tasty!

Picnic in the Park with Friends & Alforno | cookinginmygenes.com

We tried the Sirloin Sandwich and Ham Sandwich, both of which were full of flavour. I love the classic ham and double-cream brie on baguette which is accented by the mustard seed butter so that was a real winner in my books. And, the sirloin sandwich has this insanely delicious blue cheese aioli that makes you want to go back for more.

Picnic in the Park with Friends & Alforno | cookinginmygenes.com

Just like me, Alforno knows Calgarians love their food and spending time outdoors. What better way to spend a summer afternoon than putting both together with the ultimate picnic!?

Picnic in the Park with Friends & Alforno | cookinginmygenes.com

You can now order your picnic from Alforno by 5pm the day before you’re planned outing and then head on in to Alforno the next day after 12pm to pickup your picnic!  You can personalize your picnic basket to include your choice of sandwich from their delicious Ham & Brie, Roasted Vegetable and Sirloin, a baked-in-house cookie, their famous Berloni Tiramisu or Chocolate Mousse and an ice-cold bottle of water. Plus, if you’re feeling extra hungry you can add a cheeseboard, variety of salads or olives to your picnic too!  #AllTheFood

Picnic in the Park with Friends & Alforno | cookinginmygenes.com

How exactly can you order your picnic basket? Email Andrew@alforno.ca or call 403.454.0308 before 5:00 PM the day prior to your picnic outing. Then, pick it up from 12PM onwards and picnics are available to order Monday through Sunday each week.

Picnic in the Park with Friends & Alforno | cookinginmygenes.com

So grab your family and friends this summer, pack up some delicious food and drink from Alforno Bakery & Café and then walk on over to your fav spot in Calgary.  Lay down a blanket, enjoy the food and company of the perfect picnic!

Picnic in the Park with Friends & Alforno | cookinginmygenes.com

I might just see you out there this Summer!

Until the next cooking adventure,
Jess

P.S. Thank you to Terralynn from Teatro Group for taking photos of us too! And to Kristan and Kendall for taking time to picnic with me!

Disclaimer: Thank you to Alforno Bakery & Café for sponsoring this post.  Thank you for supporting the brands that I support. All opinions are my own.
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Filed Under: Family Stories, Foodie Adventures, Recipe Tagged With: alforno bakery & cafe, outdoors, picnic, summer

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INSTA-GRATIFICATION

This DARK CHOCOLATE CAKE is made for sharing with This DARK CHOCOLATE CAKE is made for sharing with the ones you ❤️❤️❤️

It’s made in just one bowl; it’s rich in chocolate flavour but not too sweet. 

This recipe was originally made for its perfect pairing, @hellosomedaywine Syrah 🍷

Here’s the recipe friends!

INGREDIENTS:
For the cake: 
125g 70-75% dark chocolate 
½ cup unsalted butter
1 ¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup neutral oil like avocado or canola oil
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup full fat Greek yogurt
3 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup all purpose flour
½ tsp salt

For the frosting:
2 tbsp hot water
1 tbsp butter
3 tbsp cocoa powder
1 cup icing sugar
pinch of salt 

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Butter or spray a 9-10 inch cake pan & line with parchment paper *important so cake can be removed easily*.
2. In a small bowl whisk together cocoa powder, baking powder, flour & salt; set aside.
Put butter & dark chocolate in a small pot. Heat over medium low heat, stirring until smooth.
3. Transfer the melted chocolate mixture into a large mixing bowl; let cool for 5 minutes. Whisk in oil, sugar, vanilla extract & greek yogurt until combined.
4. Add eggs & mix well.
5. Add dry ingredients into the bowl & whisk until smooth. 
6. Pour it into the prepared cake pan & bake 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted to the center comes out clean. 
7. Allow the cake to cool in the pan fully before removing from the pan to a cooling rack.
8. When the cake is completely cool, make the frosting and ice just the top of the cake using a swirling pattern.
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#dessertrecipe #darkchocolatecake #chocolatedessert #onebowlcake #onebowlbaking #thebakefeed #valentinesdayrecipes #valentinesdaydessert #cookinginmygenes #yycfoodblogger #damnthatsdelish #chocolatecakerecipe #recipevideos #feedfeedchocolate
You’re going to want to make this BAKED PIZZA DI You’re going to want to make this BAKED PIZZA DIP for your next gathering!

Cheesy and packed with flavour, it’s made simply in one pan. Here’s how to make it friends!

INGREDIENTS:
1x 250g cream cheese, softened
¼ cup greek yogurt
Spice blend: ¾ tsp garlic powder, ¾ tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp oregano, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp chili flakes
1 cup marinara / tomato sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
Toppings: 1/3 cup chopped baby tomatoes, ½ tsp oregano
Garnish: fresh basil, minced
For serving: crostini or crackers

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 400F.
2. In a 9 inch pie plate (or similar sized cast iron skillet, square or rectangular baking dish) combine softened cream cheese, greek yogurt and spice blend. Spread on the bottom of the dish.
3. Spread the 1 cup of marinara / tomato sauce on top of the cream cheese mixture.
4. Sprinkle over all of the shredded mozzarella cheese and shredded parmesan cheese.
5. Sprinkle over the fresh chopped tomatoes (or other desired toppings) and ½ tsp dried oregano.
6. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown. If needed, you can broil on low for 1-3 minutes at the end of the cooking time to achieve desired bubbly cheese topping.
7. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and serve warm!

https://www.cookinginmygenes.com/baked-pizza-dip/
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#cheesyfood #appetizerideas #snacktime #yycfoodblogger #gamedayfood #cheesedip #pizzarecipe #bakedpizza #feedfeedvegetarian #snackrecipes #diprecipe #partyfoodideas #cookinginmygenes #recipevideo #creamcheese
These are my favourite QUICK & EASY PEANUT NOODLES These are my favourite QUICK & EASY PEANUT NOODLES. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or lunch on the weekend here’s how to make them:

INGREDIENTS:
80-90g / 3-4oz dry noodles
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
1 tbsp chili garlic sauce 
1 garlic clove, grated
Juice from a quarter of a lime
2 tbsp - 1/4 cup pasta water 
Optional add-ins: chicken, peas, broccoli or shredded carrots

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
2. Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, chili sauce, grated garlic, lime juice and 2 tbsp pasta water. Stir until sauce is fully combined and add another 2 tbsp pasta water to loosen further if needed. 
3. Stir in noodles and other add-ins. Enjoy!
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#weeknightdinner #quickrecipes #quickdinner #cookinginmygenes #peanutnoodles #quicknoodles #saucynoodles #easyrecipes #recipereels #dinnerideas #yycfoodblogger #dinnerinspiration
The coziest cocktail for our very wintery weekend, The coziest cocktail for our very wintery weekend, this WINTER SPICED OLD FASHIONED is still one I always come back to. 

Made with a spiced simple syrup, it brings lovely warming notes to this Wintry sip. 

Recipe is on the blog friends! Linked in bio above 

https://www.cookinginmygenes.com/winter-spiced-old-fashioned-cocktail/
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#cookinginmygenes #yycfoodblogger #foodphotographyandstyling #foodtographyschool #wintercocktails #easycocktails #feedfeedcocktails #foodcontentcreator #bourboncocktails #oldfashioned #cocktailsathome #cocktailrecipes
Here’s a quick 20-MINUTE ONE POT BOURSIN PASTA t Here’s a quick 20-MINUTE ONE POT BOURSIN PASTA that you can make any day of the week. 

It’s creamy, packed with flavour and easy to make!

Here’s the recipe friends:

Total Time: 20 minutes
Equipment: large pot
Servings: 2-3

INGREDIENTS:
200-250g dry rigatoni (or other pasta shape)
1x (5.2 ounce/150g) package Boursin Fine Herbs & Garlic cheese
Zest from 1 lemon plus more for garnish
1 tbsp lemon juice
¼ tsp chili flakes
¼ tsp ground pepper
1 cup frozen peas
¾ cup shredded parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish with lemon zest, chili flakes, parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add pasta and cook according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and then drain the pasta.
2. Add the drained pasta back to the pot and set over low heat on the oven.
3. Immediately add in the Boursin cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, chili flakes, ground pepper, frozen peas and shredded parmesan cheese. 
4. Start stirring together and gradually add in ¼ cup pasta water; keep stirring to create a creamy sauce that clings to the noodles.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Make sure the peas are warmed through - if not keep on low heat and stir occasionally until they are.
6. Lastly, if you want a creamier sauce, add in an additional ¼ cup pasta water. (I generally use ½ cup pasta water total).
7. Enjoy immediately topped with more lemon zest, chili flakes and parmesan cheese if desired.

https://www.cookinginmygenes.com/one-pot-boursin-pasta/
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#onepotpasta #onepotmeals #easydinner #dinnerideas #cookinginmygenes #yycfoodblogger #boursincheese #boursinpasta #recipereels #veggierecipes #dinnerinspiration #comfortfoodie #weeknightmeals #quickrecipe #quickdinner
If you want to escape to the tropics, try my TROPI If you want to escape to the tropics, try my TROPICAL SLUSHIE! Easily made as a mocktail or a cocktail, it’s perfect to brighten things up this winter. 

All you need is:
*frozen mango
*frozen pineapple 
*maple syrup
*lime
*ice
*rum (if desired)

Get the recipe on the blog! Linked in bio above. 

https://www.cookinginmygenes.com/tropical-rum-slushie/
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#cookinginmygenes #yycfoodblogger #mocktails #mocktailrecipe #drinkrecipes #happyhourathome #wintermocktail #cocktailrecipe #tropicaldrink #foodphotographyandstyling #easyrecipes
You need this Quick Asparagus Gnocchi in your life You need this Quick Asparagus Gnocchi in your life! Made in under 25 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight meal - save this post for the recipe!

Here it is:

INGREDIENTS:
1 lb store bought gnocchi
3 tbsp butter, divided
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed ends and cut into 1 inch pieces
1/2 lemon
2 tbsp pesto sauce
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
kosher salt and ground pepper
Extra garnish: red pepper flakes

INSTRUCTIONS
1. If required by the instructions on the gnocchi you’ve purchased, boil and drain the gnocchi then set aside.
2. Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat, add 2 tbsp butter. Add the gnocchi and sauté 5-8 minutes, until starting to turn golden brown.
3. Add in asparagus pieces, 1 tbsp butter, juice from half a lemon and a big pinch of both salt and ground pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the asparagus is fork tender and still has a bit of a bite, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Turn off the heat and stir in 2 tbsp pesto plus half of the parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with more pesto, salt and pepper and red pepper flakes if you choose. Use the rest of the parmesan cheese as garnish. Serve immediately. 

https://www.cookinginmygenes.com/quick-spring-gnocchi-with-asparagus/
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#30minutemeals #gnocchirecipe #weeknightmeals #cookinginmygenes #yycfoodblogger #recipeshare #dinnerrecipes #damnthatsdelish #makesmewhole #eatyourcolors #vegetarianmeals #onepandinner #meatlessmonday #quickdinner
Friends, I’ve got another deliciously easy dip f Friends, I’ve got another deliciously easy dip for you! It’s so easy to make AND simple to add in your fav ingredients too. 

Here’s how to make it:
150-200g softened goat cheese (or cream cheese or even hummus!)
1/3 cup chopped cucumbers
1/3 cup chopped sundried tomatoes 
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2-4 tbsp pesto 
Toppings: drizzle olive oil, chili flakes, fresh basil

Spread softened goat cheese on a plate. Swirl pesto into the goat cheese. Sprinkle over the cucumbers, sundried tomatoes and walnuts. Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch chili flakes. Top with fresh basil. (Other delicious add-ons could be olives, capers, balsamic glaze drizzle). 

https://www.cookinginmygenes.com/goat-cheese-pesto-appetizer/
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#goatcheese #cookinginmygenes #easyappetizers #fingerfood #cheeseplate #cheeseboards #crostini #creamcheese #toasties #toastideas #damnthatsdelish #meatlessmeals #recipevideo #entertainingathome #cheesedip
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