by sweetalynn

Created on: June 29, 2007

A tiskit, a tasket, what's in your picnic basket? An all-American outing absolutely must contain fried goodies, mayo-drenched delectables, whipped cream slathered tidbits, and copious amounts of alcohol right? Not this time. Just in time for the summer festivities, and just in time to save your waistline, let's look at some alternatives to this picnic staples which are long on flavor and short on fat.

A picnic would not be a picnic without delicious fried chicken or bacon cheeseburgers, you say? Well how about marinating the chicken in a yummy blend of low fat buttermilk and herbs then coating it in crushed crackers or bread crumbs, and baking to a crisp golden brown in the oven? Sounds good already, right? And using lean ground meat, or even ground turkey when grilling up burgers will soon prove to be a favorite when assembled with marinated grilled veggies such as onions, and portabello mushrooms, instead of the bacon and cheese.

But what about the potato and macaroni salad, you ask? These classics are just waiting to be updated with low fat improvements. Both can be made with low fat mayonnaise or a combination of low fat yogurt and low fat mayonnaise. Or you can really be adventurous and use mustards, pickle relish and chopped vegetables to pep them up. Another option is to include a mixed bean salad. This can be dressed with any number of vinaigrettes and fresh herbs. Try using a vinaigrette that is more vinegar and less oil. Sherry vinegar and balsamic vinegar are flavorful options that can elevate them to a new realm. The protein and fiber will satisfy your hunger much more than a handful or two of potato chips. And hey, speaking of potato chips, instead of buying the greasy bags at the store, you can make your own by slicing yukon potatoes thinly on a mandoline and baking them in the oven.

Another thing to remember is that this is the perfect time to enjoy the bounty of summer fruits and vegetables available. Try grilling up some zucchini, and red bell peppers along with the onions and portabellos. The grill brings out the natural sweetness and complexity of them and with a sprinkle of salt, pepper and perhaps some fresh thyme, you are in for a treat. You can even do veggie kabobs if finger food is what you crave. Try the same with fruits such as pineapple and peaches. Ultimately, the more color you can get on your plate from these jewels of summer, the more nutritional value you are getting from your meal. Fruit salads are always a hit, but you may

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