We live close-by an amazing green walk-way which is located on and old railroad track two stories above street level it’s called the Highline – this week is the highly anticipated opening of the second renovated section of it with the main entrance on 23rd street. If you visit New York City I recommend you take a stroll along the beautifully designed pathway during your stay. If you live in Manhattan and you haven’t been yet – it’s a must check-out. It gives a voyeuristic glimpse into the surrounding scenery -- buildings, human pedestrian traffic, and backyards -- all interesting to look at. The other day we had friends visiting from out of town and were showing off our new pathway-park – they enjoyed it very much.
(Farmstead cheddar from England, 5-spoke Creamery cheddar from Pennsylvania, Emmentahler from Switzerland)
En plein air snacking
We realized it’d be nice to nibble on something during chatting, sitting on the funky benches and absorbing the bustling walk-way – a picnic came to mind.
Our new restaurant Little Cheese Pub happens to be a stone’s throw from the Highline so I phoned in an order of a cheese plate and my favorite large pretzel with cheese dip, and a few more dips next to house-pickled vegetables. Within 20 minutes we were happy to see Roberto our delivery man with the goodies. It was delicious and straight forward -- we ate with our hands, no bother with cutlery, and enjoyed little wedges of cheese and loaded up on house-baked poppy seed crisps with green olive hummus and dipped the giant pretzel in the piquant cheese dip seasoned with Hungarian paprika and minced pickles. Al fresco snacking on a beautiful sunny day certainly has its appeal. Really not much can compete which is why everything tastes so good on vacations! The following cheese dip is fairly simple to make and I suggest bringing this potluck along to your next picnic party. It will be much appreciated.
(green olive hummus with poppy seed crisps)
Cheese Dip
(enough for a snack for four people – accompanied by crackers, bread crisps or pretzels)
8 ounces cream cheese
¼-tablespoon roasted garlic puree
1 shallot, diced
¼-cups pickles, chopped
¼-cup capers, chopped
1 tablespoon flat leaf parsley, chopped
Kosher-style salt, to taste
2 pinches cayenne
1 tablespoon Hungarian-style paprika powder
1. In a mixing bowl combine all ingredients and mix with a wire whisk.
A few picnic tips:
- I recommend firm cheese for picnics which can withstand hotter temperatures (parmesan, cheddar chunks, pecorino, etc.)
- nuts, olives or such finger foods are ideal and easy to maneuver on a blanket
- utensils are not worth bringing so look out for pre-portioned edibles (grapes, sandwiches, mouth sized pieces of fruits etc.)
- some controlled outdoor places let you bring wine and beer if that is the case I recommend screw caps on bottles (I forgot several times either corkscrew or bottle opener
– which is a bummer at the moment)
- whipped cream, chocolates – keep’em for the romantic picnic in the cooler evenings - who needs the melting mess during the hot day
(my little family having a picnic)
Picnics are a terrific way to connect again: We planned my mother-in-law’s birthday around a walk along the Highline with a picnic snack and I’m planning about a quiet, romantic Sunday evening with my spouse – I’ll arrange a babysitter for Arabella our daughter and perhaps bring strawberries and cream.
