Are you planning a Picnic at the Pops this Friday evening? For the special July 1st “Celebrate America” program featuring favorite patriotic songs and post-concert fireworks, performed every year by the Charlotte Symphony? We are.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A picnic basket and/or insulated carrier – we’ve got several options for you to choose.
- Cute blanket(s) and plastic dishes if they don’t come with – check out the slideshow below.
- A nice spread of food to nosh on – we’re picking up Viva Chicken, because ~ any excuse. But Dean & Deluca or Reid’s are great options that are “on the way.”
- Adult beverages, preferably wine, preferably rose. And lol check out our wine & glass grass stakes. Perfect.
- A homemade and tasty packable dessert, because dessert is the most important meal of the day.
- Something patriotic and adorable to wear, because ~ any excuse.
Picnic Baskets, Insulated Carriers & Backpacks, YETI and more:
Other Key Picnic Elements
Plus the Wine – rose’s from winestore
What to Wear to Picnic at the Pops
It’s the Symphony, so we like to gussy it up a bit. But you will be sitting on the grass in all likelihood so be prepared.
Can’t Forget Dessert!
Every good picnic deserves a great dessert. Brownies are the perfect grab-and-go answer! If you’re packing these for your picnic, I’d recommend placing them in a plastic container and adding a piece of wax paper between each layer… that caramel is stickaaayyy.
Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies by Puppies and Brunch
DIRECTIONS
– Make a box of brownies according to the package instructions
– Let cool
– Spread with slightly warm caramel (see recipe below)
– Press pretzels lightly into caramel
– Refrigerate until cold
For the Salted Caramel
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 5 Tablespoons salted butter, cut up into 5 pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
Directions:
- Heat granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with a high heat resistant rubber spatula or wooden spoon.
- Sugar will form clumps and eventually melt into a thick brown, amber-colored liquid as you continue to stir. Be careful not to burn.
- Once sugar is completely melted, immediately add the butter. Be careful in this step because the caramel will bubble rapidly when the butter is added.
- Stir the butter into the caramel until it is completely melted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Very slowly, drizzle in 1/2 cup of heavy cream while stirring. Since the heavy cream is colder than the caramel, the mixture will rapidly bubble and/or splatter when added.
- Allow the mixture to boil for 1 minute. It will rise in the pan as it boils.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of salt. Allow to cool down before using.
Recipe adapted from Sally’s Baking Addiction
