5 Make and Take Desserts-

I love picnics and barbecues! Picnics are one of my favorite things to do. A trip to the mountains when its hot in the valley. A cooler filled with fruits, drinks, crackers and cheese, or sandwiches, and of course,  Izzy snacks. We had our first family barbecue this past weekend and it got me thinking about desserts to bring to a barbecue or for a picnic. Barbecues and picnics often have similar menus, right? I enjoy bringing something seasonal to the table. Here in Utah we are seeing a lot of blueberries, cherries, strawberries, apples, apricots, raspberries and rhubarb. Basically if it has an “ies” at the end of the name chances are pretty good that you can find it at the local farmers market.

We have a lovely garden, but we don’t grow fruit. Buying seasonal fruit gives us the perfect reason to support our local growers. Before we get to the list of yummy barbecue and picnic friendly make and take desserts, please join me in congratulating Julie. She is the winner of the picnic giveaway. Congratulations Julie!

The new giveaway starts this Friday! 

These recipes are easy to prepare, use in season fruits, and they travel well too. Perfect for any picnic or barbecue. Just a little reminder; Don’t take anything that needs to be refrigerated unless you bring it packed in ice or a cooler. Your host or hostess will need all the room in their fridge or cooler. If you plan to take cake or a bread pre-slice it. Make sure you aren’t bringing anything too heavy. Keep in mind that the guests will most likely be eating on a paper plate or may just have a napkin. So think finger foods, hand pies, etc. You already know if you have read my blog for a while ( if not, welcome I’m happy you are here with us) I believe very strongly in giving your host or hostess a gift when you are invited for a get together. Dessert is always nice. But, you don’t want to bring something that your host or hostess may already have planned. Just like bringing a complimenting bottle of wine for the meal. Ask what the host or hostess will be serving and let he or she know that you would like to bring a dessert. Make sure it is a compliment to the meal and will not overshadow what your host or hostess has prepared.

These are just 5 of my favorite make and take desserts. They are tasty and travel well. 

Please click the image to get the recipe and please remember to tell them I sent you ( wink).

Photos belong to their respective blogs.

A simple Berry Crumble is an easy way to use the fresh raspberries and blueberries this time of the year .

You can also use blackberries, cherries or strawberries too. I used what I had the most of.

What You Need
4 Cups blueberries and raspberry (divided)
1 Package white cake mix
1/2 Cup butter (unsalted softened)
1/4 Cup brown sugar (packed)
1 tsp. Ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. Nutmeg
1/4 tsp. Salt
1/2 tsp. Ground ginger
1 Egg
Nonstick cooking spray
Large mixing bowl
Small mixing bowl
Whisk
13x9x2 baking dish

Before You Start: Preheat oven to 350°, prepare baking dish by spraying the inside bottom and sides with cooking spray
Lets Make It! In a bowl combine cake mix, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, ginger and butter and mix until crumbly (lots of little lumps). Press about 2/3 of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spread all of the berries on top. In a small bowl whisk egg and add a tbsp. of water together and drizzle over berries. Spread remaining crumble mixture on top of berries. Bake 35-45 minutes (until well set and golden brown).
Serves 4-6
Katie’s Tid Bits-For a group picnic or barbecue- cut and wrap each square of berry crumble and serve them unwrapped and on a platter, or wrapped and tied with a little bakers twine.

The lovely and talented Roz from La Bella Vita Cucina has a recipe for blueberry and blackberry tarts that will travel well and are sure to be a delicious addition to a picnic or barbecue.

Silvias Cucina’s fantastic Almond Apricot Cake is great plain just as it is. Bring it to your next gathering and listen for the yummy tummy sounds.

When you are eating it at home try a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream or whipped topping.

The Smitten Kitchen makes Rhubarb Picnic bars that are perfect for make and take

 I have to add these to the list, they already have the word picnic in their name!

These No Bake Cherry Cheesecake’s  from Love Create Celebrate come ready to eat.

Safely ensconced in their little mason jars they travel well  and all you need is a spoon.

What are your 5 Make and Take Desserts ?

I hope to see you all right back here tomorrow night (7pm MST) for the early birds linking at the Thursday Favorite Things link party.

Please tell your friends to join us, the more the merrier!