Summer is winding down. A mindset seems to change after Labor Day things are more fall than summer. But the sun is still shining, the temperatures are still up, the water still warm and life is still good. So why not take a moment and really enjoy it and mix in a little extra with marijuana. Here are 5 weed friendly last of summer activities to make “pre-fall” extra fun.
A long walk or hike can let the mind wander and observe the wonders of nature. The THC will let you relax and get exercise. Pick an easy movement right, don’t litter and settle into let you mind explore nature. The serenity of the outdoors will seep into your brain and body.
While it is warm, it is great time to be on or near the water. There is something about water, the feel, the smell, the gentle movements that are enticing. Just watching the water while high can bring a certain serenity your brain. Kick back and enjoy a vape, gummy or beverage and make sure don’t over indulge while near or in the water.
Lose yourself in a film
Photo by JESHOOTS-com via Pixabay
Losing yourself in a film is a year round activity, but if you have been busy during the summer, now is the time to plop on the couch, have a bit of a hit and watch the summer blockbusters….and maybe more the watch – really feel them. And by enjoying them know, it frees up to prep for the fall and winter movies and streaming about to hit.
Weed makes visual experiences better and emotional ones deeper, which is why watching a movie while high can feel much stronger than if you were to watch it sober. The same applies to a visit to a museum or an art gallery. While you might annoy your friend or whoever you’re with your deep musings, you will for sure be having a great time.
Picnics are great, but high picnics are the best. Plan for a day alone or with friends spent at the park of your choosing, sharing a joint and eating delicious finger food. The more you plan it, the better, giving you the chance to bring speakers, a better selection of food, and more.
These Barbecue Bacon Baked Beans are easy and delicious and only call for 5 ingredients! They’re the perfect side dish to your favorite grilled meal and great for parties! This recipe will serve 8 but can easily be doubled to serve more.
Do you have any idea how hard it is to make something from scratch using only FIVE ingredients?
Really hard. Maybe I should elaborate to say that it’s difficult to make a barbecue-friendly dish and only using 5 ingredients. The struggle was real. But when friends presented me with the challenge to create a 5-ingredient labor-less dish, I of course accepted.
I’m not one to turn down a challenge, like the time when our friend Dave dared me to eat a tablespoon of cinnamon – not my finest moment. Although, that was a somewhat scary disaster, 5-ingredient recipe developing doesn’t have to be. And I may just have a few tricks up my sleeve.
1: use BACON! 2: involve barbecue sauce 3. be OKAY with taking necessary shortcuts. Have I mentioned that this was a judgment free zone?
Now who doesn’t love the sound of 5 ingredient barbecue bacon baked beans??? Exactly.
To Make These Barbecue Bacon Baked Beans You Will Need:
yellow onion – The base for most recipes, adds texture and sweet and subtle onion flavor to the beans.
thick-cut bacon – I like to go to the butcher shop or use Wright brand (not sponsored) or any other high-quality brand.
baked beans – A great shortcut. I usually buy organic to avoid any unnecessary additives.
barbecue sauce – I like use this recipe, but use your favorite.
un-sulphured molasses – For sweetness, depth of flavor and will also deepen the color of the beans.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 180°C).
In a cool pan, add 10-inch deep sided skillet, add a medium diced yellow onion and 4 chopped slices of applewood bacon.
Heat to medium, stirring occasionally until the onions are soft and translucent and bacon is caramelized in spots.
Then add in 1 (28 ounce) can of baked beans, 1/2 cup barbecue sauce and 2 tablespoons un-sulphured molasses.
If I was to make true “from scratch” beans I’d flip to page 183 in my cookbook *wink* but I would need quite a few more ingredients. Using organic baked beans is a-okay in my book, especially when on a 5-ingredient budget.
Stir well to combine.
Lastly, cover and bake for 40 minutes, stirring halfway.
Once 40 minutes are up, uncover and stir one last time before sliding the pan (uncovered) back into the oven for 20 minutes. This will help thicken it up the barbecue bacon baked beans a smidgen more.
That’s all folks!
These barbecue bacon baked beans go great with brats, burgers or hot dogs – really anything grilled.
Enjoy! And if you give this Barbecue Bacon Baked Beans recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!
Yield: 8servings
5-ingredient Barbecue Bacon Baked Beans
These Barbecue Bacon Baked Beans are easy and delicious and only call for 5 ingredients! They’re the perfect side dish to your favorite grilled meal and great for parties! This recipe will serve 8 but can easily be doubled to serve more.
Prep Time: 25 minutesmins
Cook Time: 1 hourhr
Total Time: 1 hourhr25 minutesmins
1mediumyellow onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
4slicesthick-cut applewood smoked bacon, cut into pieces
2tablespoonsun-sulphured molasses, do not use blackstrap
Preheat your oven to 350℉ (or 180℃)
In a 10-inch deep sided skillet, add onions and bacon and then heat on medium. Stir occasionally until onions are soft and the bacon is caramelized in spots – about 8 to 10 minutes.
Remove the pan off of the heat and add in the beans, barbecue sauce and molasses. Stir well to combine.
Cover the pan and slide it onto the middle rack of your preheated oven. Cook for 40 minutes, stirring halfway through. When time is up, use pot holders to remove the lid, then stir and slide the pan back into your oven for 20 minutes.
Allow the beans to cool for a few minutes before serving. The beans will thicken up more as they cool.
Nutrition Disclaimer:All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on SimplyScratch.com should only be used as a general guideline.
Layers of Italian meats, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, spinach and fresh mozzarella all pressed between tender slices of Italian bread. Oh baby, these Italian pressed sandwiches are so yum!
For years and years I’ve wanted to share these fantastic Italian sandwiches with you all but never took the time to snap pictures until now! They are perfect for a picnic or a special lunch!
How to Make Italian Presseds Sandwiches Video
Time for a Picnic!
You see, picnics are kind of my thing. I adore them. I always have. Growing up we would make a delicious bowl of potato salad, pick up KFC (I KNOW, but don’t judge, KFC and picnics was a thing and I bet you did the same thing!) and head to some park or up into the mountains. Especially in July when our church would hold a huge Stake picnic, an entire day of games, water slides, family activities etc. It was incredible!
Sometimes when we would ditch KFC, we would haul sandwiches and sides and that was truly my favorite kind of picnicking. There’s something so free and wonderful about unplugging and finding respite in the hills. So, in case you’ve forgotten that joy-especially the one you were reminded of during quarantine (come on, did we so quickly forget the lessons we learned?!) then let me remind you, a stacked sandwich, a bunch of fresh fruit, salty chips and maybe a dessert like our lemon drop cookies will bring all kinds of happy to you and your favorite people.
You can try all sorts of flavors for pressed sandwiches such as mayo and turkey blt style, turkey, cheese and avocado, heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella, peppers and eggplant, etc. The sky’s the limit!
What is a Pressed Sandwich?
A pressed sandwich is exactly what it sounds like. It is a sandwich that is loaded with lots of amazing ingredients layered between a delicious bread, like a ciabatta or baguette, which is then wrapped in plastic wrap and pressed for an extended period of time with a heavy object. This allows the flavors to all meld together making the most tasty bites of sandwich.
What Ingredients Do You Need for Pressed Italian Sandwiches?
If you’re headed to the store to buy all the items for your next picnic, here is your shopping list for these sandwiches:
Italian Bread (ciabatta, focaccia, or your favorite)
I recommend a bag of crisp grapes and some kettle cooked potato chips! These sandwiches are totally customizable! If there are certain meats you prefer over others, do it! Change the meats, veggies, cheese, spreads…make it the way you want it! The measurements for each ingredient in the sandwiches can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.
How to Make Pressed Italian Sandwiches
There’s not much to making a sandwich which is why they are so awesome! Here are the basic steps:
Slice open the bread and spread loads of pesto on one side.
Drizzle the other side with a little olive oil.
Lay the tomatoes and roasted red peppers (see section below) flat on the side with olive oil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Layer the meats, cheese, and spinach (or basil).
Place the top of the bread on and wrap in plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator and put a heavy skillet (or anything flat and heavy) on top to press it down.
Serve with your favorite picnic sides!
These instructions can also be found in more detail in the recipe card below.
How Do I Press a Sandwich?
I’ve seen all sorts of methods, but the easiest for me is to just place the wrapped sandwich on a cookie sheet and then set my heaviest cast iron skillet on top. I’ve also seen people put another cookie sheet on top and then pile dumbbells on top. You can do whatever works best for you. You just want the sandwich to be pressed between two flat surfaces.
How to Roast Red Peppers
Put your oven on broil and place your pepper(s) on a cookie sheet right under the coils. Roast them for 8-10 minutes turning them occasionally so they blister on all sides. Pull the cookie sheet out and let the peppers cool until they are cool enough to handle. Then peel off the skin, slice them open and remove the seeds.
How to Keep My Pressed Sandwich from Getting Soggy?
Pressed sandwiches are prone to getting soggy with so many layers of goodness inside, but it is easily avoided. There’s nothing worse than soggy bread! First, use the pesto as a barrier on the inside of the bread. You could even spread butter on one side if you don’t want pesto on both.
Second, pat dry any of the wet ingredients like tomatoes, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes with a paper towel before adding them.
Lastly, use the cheese and meats as a bread barrier for the wetter layers.
What to Serve at a Picnic?
I love these sandwiches with some crunchy chips and a simple side salad or fruit. For a picnic, here are few other great side options:
Take a picture of your picnic and tags us on social media! We would love to see it!
These Italian pressed sandwiches are hearty, packed with flavor, and so portable which make them perfect for a picnic, potluck, baby (or bridal) shower, or brunch. You can make them a day ahead of time, and they also store well for the next day. You’re going to just love these!
More Tasty Sandwich Recipes:
Servings: 6Small Sandwiches
Prep Time: 15 minutesmins
Resting Time: 6 hourshrs
Total Time: 6 hourshrs15 minutesmins
Description
Layers of Italian meats, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, spinach and fresh mozzarella all pressed between tender slices of Italian bread. Oh baby, these Italian pressed sandwiches are so yum!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Slice open the bread and spread one side liberally with pesto. On the other half drizzle a very small amount of olive oil.
1 Loaf Italian Bread, 1/4 Cup Pesto
Lay the tomatoes or roasted red pepper flat. Drizzle with a little balsamic glaze.
4-6 Slices Tomato, 2 Red Bell Peppers, Balsamic Glaze
Layer the meats, cheese and spinach (basil if desired).
3 Ounces Prosciutto, 6 Ounces Italian Meats Mix, Fresh Mozzarella, 1 Cup Baby Spinach
Close the sandwich and wrap in plastic wrap. Place in the fridge with a heavy skillet or anything very heavy on top for 6 hours or up to overnight.
Serve with chips and salad!
*Heat the oven to broil and place the pepper on a cookie sheet under the coils. Roast, turning occasionally for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool and peel off the skin. Slice open and remove seeds.
Course: Fixing Lunch with Sandwich Recipes that Aren’t PB&J, Over 500 Family Dinner Recipes Ideas
Cuisine: Italian
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It’s getting warm out and nothing feels better than packing up some snacks and heading to the park or beach for a picnic! A picnic is a great activity for a self-date, a hangout with friends or with your special someone. To make the experience more enjoyable find the best picnic essentials bellow.
Best picnic blankets and coolers
If you’re looking to have a fun day outdoors with a group of friends, this picnic blanket can hold six to eight people sitting up. It comes in five different colors and is made of cotton. It is machine washable and able to be folded down for portability. The velcro helps you easily pack it up and it won’t take up too much space in your tote bag.
Good GAIN Picnic Blanket Waterproof & Sand Proof
This blanket doubles as something you can bring to the beach or camping. It is sand- and water-proof. The dimensions unfolded are 78 inches x 57 inches; it comes with a handle strap with a double ring buckle, which makes it convenient to carry.
Coleman 16qt Insulated Portable Cooler
The insulated cooler will keep drinks cold on those hotter days. It has a large handle to make it easier to carry with one hand. You can use it for camping, picnics and beach days. Reviewers who’ve bought this product say that it’s lightweight and sturdy.
This cooler backpack is insulated and holds up to 30 cans. It can hold hot foods and keep them warm throughout the day, according to the brand. The backpack has an ergonomic design and back padding to give you comfort while you’re carrying multiple items.
Wicker Picnic Basket with Lid
Just bringing the food? This wicker picnic basket can hold the utensils and snacks you bring. The brand says it can fit soda, chips, sandwiches, baguettes and a wine bottle. It’s a classic, traditional-style basket you can bring anywhere.
Willow Picnic Basket Set for 2
This basket set for two is perfect for a romantic picnic date with your partner. The set comes with a bottle opener, two of each utensil, two wine glasses and a mat. The picnic basket comes with an insulated compartment. You can keep food warm or cold for four hours inside your basket, according to the brand.
Utensils and Clean-Up
250 Piece Compostable Plates
These eco-friendly plates are easy to dispose of after you’re done eating. The heavy-duty party plates are made of sugarcane fiber and the knives, forks and spoons are made of cornstarch. The forks, knives and spoons are strong enough to slice through cooked steaks, vegetables and fruit without cracking or splitting like plastic utensils.
Dixie EcoSmart Paper Cups
These 16-ounce paper cups are sustainable and affordable.
Wet Ones Antibacterial Tropical Splash Scent Hand Wipes
Make clean-up easier with these antibacterial hand wipes. It’ll keep your hands free from germs before and after you eat. The wipes are hypoallergenic and kill 99.99% of germs, according to the brand.
Protection
Equate Sport Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Spray
Protect your skin from the sun with this broad-spectrum sunscreen spray. It absorbs quickly and stays on for up to 80 minutes through sweat and water.
OFF! Clean Feel Insect Repellent Aerosol
With the change in temperatures, mosquitoes will be out and that is definitely a nuisance. Avoid bug bites with this insect-repellent spray.
Cover yourself from the rays of the sun with this sun hat. It comes with a neck flap and is available in 10 different colors. This hat has a wide brim and is made to protect against UV rays.
Outdoor Games
Himal Collapsible Portable Cornhole
Have some fun outdoors by playing classic corn hole. If you’re on a date or want to have a fun challenge with friends, this works perfectly. The entire set is lightweight and foldable. You can even flip the bean bags and board to play a game of tic-tac-toe.
Jenga is a fun game to play with multiple people or a partner. If less movement is more your speed, Jenga is still fun and can be played seated or standing.
Goodminton – The World’s Easiest Racquet Game
Grab a partner and duel to see who takes the win in a game of racquet. It’s fun and easy to play.
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