Side Dishes for your Picnic

Stuffed Cherry Peppers
Cherry peppers are small, sweet, mild to medium peppers that are about the size of a cherry tomato. For this dish we will be inserting provolone and prosciutto into the peppers to make a delicious popper for the picnic (try to say that 3 times fast).

12 fresh cherry peppers
6 ounces sharp provolone cheese
6 ounces thinly-sliced prosciutto
Salt
Extra virgin olive oil

Cut the provolone into cubes that will fit easily into the peppers after being wrapped in prosciutto. Remove the tops from the peppers and take out the seeds, keeping the peppers in one piece. Wrap cubes of cheese in prosciutto and insert them into the hollowed peppers. Place peppers into a sealable container and sprinkle them with salt. Add olive oil until the peppers are covered, let stand for 1 hour before serving.

Chips & 7 Layer Dip
This is another utensil-free side dish that just about everyone loves. Feel free to mix cooked ground beef with the refried beans, or more jalapenos if you like it spicy.

Guacamole
1 avocado
1 lime
1 clove diced garlic

Peel, pit, and mash the avocado in a bowl. Add the juice of 1/2 lime and garlic, and blend thoroughly. Add salt and pepper to taste.

7 Layer Dip
1 cup refried beans
1/2 teaspoon of hot sauce (or chili powder to taste)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tsp chopped jalapenos
Guacamole
1/2 tomato, chopped
1/4 cup of sour cream
1/4 small can of sliced ripe black olives
1 Tbsp green onions, sliced

Warm refried beans in a pot or microwave until bubbling. Stir in hot sauce or chili powder, and salt to taste. Spread beans on the bottom of a container and cover with cheese. Layer jalapenos, guacamole, and tomato. Spoon on sour cream, top with green onions and olives.

Nectarine & Berry Salad
This is a light summer side dish with just a little bit of sweetness to keep you from feeling heavy afterwards when you're ready to take a walk together or play frisbee.

Juice of 1 fresh lime
1 1/2 tsp sugar
2 nectarines (or peaches), pitted and sliced
1/4 cup blueberries
1/4 cup blackberries
1/4 cup raspberries

Mix the lime juice and sugar in a bowl until sugar dissolved, spoon over nectarines and berries until coated. Can be refrigerated for up to 4 hours.