Memorial Day picnic recipe round-up

Happy Friday!  Nothing puts a bounce in my step quite like knowing that I have one more day in my weekend.  Hopefully most of you have a three day stretch ahead of you with nothing resembling work on your calendar.  And it looks like the weather is going to be beautiful around here -- perfect for golf, biking, le tennis, and, of course, outdoor dining!  If you're looking for some last-minute ideas of things to make or take to a picnic, here are some of my favorite options:

• Create your perfect burger (I've been obsessed with using toasted English muffins as buns lately)
• Pat's loaded baked potato salad, here to dismiss all previous notions of this classic side dish
• The most epic macaroni and cheese this world has ever known
• A colorful and quick lentil salad, which can be served cold or warm

And save room for the pièce de résistance -- dessert!  All but one of these are weather-friendly and need minimal attention beyond a simple covering until you are ready to serve.  The other just needs to stay in the freezer until serving, but you'll welcome a cold treat when temperatures creep into the 90s:

• An oh-so-chewy sugar cookie sure to please every palate
• Chocolate cake perfect for serving a crowd
• Creamy dreamy coconut cookie ice cream sandwiches, made ahead and individually packaged for easy serving
• Salted brown butter Rice Krispie treats that will surprise and please kids and adults
• From scratch brownies so good they'll swear it's a box mix but better!

Me?  I'm making those salted brown butter crispy treats and toting them to the other side of the state.  "But Katy, what on earth would make you want to venture into enemy territory?"  Family, friends, grilling, eating, and shopping, of course :)  Have a fantastic weekend, everyone!