August

August is National Picnic Month, a great time for dining al fresco. Pack up a few sandwiches, your favorite salad, some lemonade and a chocolate cake. Pick a shady spot and spread a big old quilt on the grass.

Salade Nicoise

1 head iceberg lettuce, torn
1 head Romaine, torn
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, julienned
6 small Roma tomatoes, quartered
6 hard boiled eggs, quartered
1 can sliced black olives
1 bunch scallions, chopped
12 fingerling potatoes, boiled, cooled and quartered
1 large can solid white albacore, drained
Thin green beans, blanched and cooled
1 can anchovies (optional)

Fill a wide bowl with all ingredients in the order shown. (If you place the anchovies on top, your guests can decide whether to take them or not.) Serve with a fresh vinaigrette or classic French dressing. Makes 8 to 12 side salad servings.