Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor
As the sun begins making a more regular appearance, now’s the perfect time to take advantage of every second of sunshine you can fit into your day. Unfortunately, for many, finding time to just hangout and bask in the warmth isn’t exactly an option. An easy way to make some time, even if only for 30 minutes, is by bringing your regular indoor meals to the outdoors.
By setting out a blanket on the grass, bringing a couple friends with you and making some yummy recipes, you’ll have the ingredients of a perfect picnic. While you can ultimately bring whatever dishes you’d like, packing your meals in Mason jars makes for an environmentally-friendly, simple and aesthetically pleasing meal. Follow the instructions on some of these quick and easy Mason jar recipes that will leave your mouth watering and have you begging for another break in the sun.
Black Bean Salad
At the bottom of your jar, pour about ¼ cup of your favorite salsa. On top of this, add 1 ¼ tsp of sour cream (this can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a lighter meal). Dice half of a tomato and add this on top, then follow it up with about ¼ of a chopped red onion. Next, add about ¼ of a can of drained black beans on top of that. Purchase corn, and add about ¼ cup on top of that. Top all of this with half of a sliced avocado, a sprinkle of jack or cheddar cheese and some chopped romaine lettuce. Leave divided to keep the produce as fresh as possible, but mix together before eating.
Inspired by organizeyourselfskinny.com
Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
In a bowl, combine a single serving container of Greek yogurt (any flavor you’d like), with 2 tsps of milk, ⅓ cup of granola and 1 tsp of chia seeds. Once mixed together, scoop half and put it at the bottom of your jar. Top this with your choice of mixed berries, which can be fresh or frozen. Top this again with the yogurt mixture, and cap it off with the last of your berries. Refrigerate this overnight for best results.
Inspired by iowagirleats.com
Apple Pie in a Jar
This one is less of a recipe, and more of an easy way to transport a classic dessert that can be easily altered to save room to top with ice cream or whipped cream. Purchase a frozen apple pie (such as Marie Callender’s), and bake as instructed, but don’t add the brown sugar topping. Once cooked, scoop it into oven-safe jars. Don’t worry about keeping it intact, as it will become more of a crumble pie. Add the topping and bake for another 10 minutes. Bring any toppings with you that you’d like.
Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu
Photo by: Caity Healy
