We have been totally enjoying spring lately. There is just something about sunshine and warm weather that make me so stinking happy. Warm sunny days always make me want to be one of those picnic-type people.
I mean who doesn’t love a picnic *in theory*? It is a lovely idea–eating outside on a blanket with a basket full of food wrapped carefully in wax paper–amazing. In reality, for me picnics mean ants, bees, and allergies. Bugs in general have a natural affinity for me–they love to bite me, chase me, or sting me. Consequently, having food with me is not a move in my favor. Chase and I have started to perfect the pre-meal picnic. We enjoy the outdoors with a little (heavily packaged and unaromatic) snack and when it comes time to eat a real meal we retreat to the bug-free indoors.
Recently, I took some almonds to our pre-meal picnic while Chase’s snack of choice was the amazingness that is mini Cadberry chocolate eggs–we have a post-Easter stockpile of these beauties.
Few meals are more ideal for post-picnic appetites than spice-rubbed hamburgers. I am currently obsessed. While Chase still likes to eat his burger on a bun, I like a solid paleo burger–bun-free with avocado and sauteed onions on top.
Here is the current blend of spices I have been LOVING:
Spice Rub Recipe:
1 tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dry mustard
1/4 tsp cayanne pepper
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
1) I place all spices in a small tupperware container and shake until combined
2) I usually buy 1 lb of lean ground beef which make 4 burgers and I add diced onions to 2 burgers (and leave Chase’s onion-free)
3) I place all 4 burgers on a grill pan at medium heat and sprinkle the rub on both sides
4) Cover the burgers with foil and cook 4-6 minutes on each side
What is your favorite BBQ food item?
paleorunnergirl 
What a cute picture of you and Chase! I think my favorite BBQ food item is lamb burgers that my mom makes; SO delicious 🙂
I’m vegetarian, but I love grilled veggies and fruits like watermelon and pineapple! 🙂
That’s a great blend of spices!!! I’d love to try it. We love a little cayenne. I also love to grill some fries!! 🙂 Yeah, picnics are fun, but I’m actually not a huge outdoors fan so I feel the same way about the bugs. Haha.
I’m with you on the picnicing, I feel the same way about camping. I’d love to take a long hike but I want to come back to my bed! I love bbq chicken and grilled romaine!
I am SO loving the warm weather too. The boys and I just want to be outside all day long! Going to try that recipe, sounds like something we’d love.
I love the “pre-meal” for your picnic! Bugs love me too. During our vacation in Jamaica, Damien tried to be “romantic” and we watched the sunset from a hammock. After about 2 minutes, I started complaining that something was biting me. He ignored me and said I was ruining the sunset…the next day I had no less than 30 sand flea bites! He had 2. I say, stick with your pre-picnic planning 🙂
Ive heard about those bugs in the south being CRAZY! My fave picnic food… hmm. Probably cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches on sourdough bread. Its like the meeting of my British and US heritage come together! 🙂
Salmon is our favorite, but we are for sure going to try this one. Sounds yummy! BTW: Looks like you and John agree on picnics! I’m a picnic addict…..he’s…..not so much!