Pack a Classy Picnic: Chocolate Chip Coconut Fudge Brownies

These Chocolate Chip Coconut Fudge Brownies are the perfect dessert for a summer picnic menu! This post is sponsored by Q Squared NYC.

Food simply tastes better in the outdoors, especially when you take the time to pack a picnic basket full of summer delights, and share it with the ones you love! I say “take the time,” because I feel we are so rushed anymore, it takes discipline to get a lunch, dinner, or picnic date on the calendar. Then it takes a tiny bit more of your time to be creative and pack a memorable picnic …

When my sister loaned me her picnic basket that she’s owned for years, it didn’t take me long to pack it with a few yummy recipes and treats, and head out to enjoy a picnic with Paul and a couple of friends.

Whether escaping to a nearby park, or creating an area in your own backyard, packing a picnic with salads (my favorite), a delicious dessert, and something refreshing to drink, is really all you need to relax and unwind. You can set it up smorgasbord-style, or have everyone enjoy their own creation.

To pack a picnic, I really think it’s key to have a quality picnic basket. Some baskets are too much … too many gadgets, dishes, nooks and crannies. I like an old-fashioned basket with … nothing inside. This leaves room for a creative picnic with your favorite dishes, flatware, tablecloth or a mat. I really like to make my picnics unique and different each time, depending on the season and mood I’m in.

This time, these gorgeous white roses inspired me!

We used a portable folding multi-use striped mat, easy for the lawn, beach, or even to bring on a hike (my husband got this on Amazon for $11). It’s weatherproof and water resistant, too!

Q Squared NYC Peony collection.

Because I wanted to add a classy touch to a picnic, I brought along my Q Squared NYC peony collection white small plates. They are made out of the highest quality of melamine (as light as can be!) and the perfect dish for picnic sides.

Q Squared was founded by a mother-daughter team, Nancy and Alaina, and was created as an alternative to overpriced and under-designed dinnerware. I get so many compliments when I use their product for my parties!

Here are a few of the sizes that I used:

Peony appetizer plate

Peony salad plate

Peony small bowl (for the fruit)

I packed the main dish in canning jars (Tuna Pasta Salad), a side of fruit (also, in the Peony collection bowl), and a lovely brownie dessert.

Q Squared NYC Provence Collection.

Along with the lightweight melamine dishes, I stuck in these gorgeous Q Squared NYC’s Provence Red Flatware. They are light, classy, and I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time eating with plastic forks.

If you love red, you’ll love the brand new Talavera Collection!

Canning jars are easy for the salad course, and everyone gets their own serving. Pack ahead of time – no one has to dish up, make a mess, worry about spilling.

Use lids for coasters.

Easy to flip the lids over and use as coasters on top of the basket; we served a chilled sparkling water. (Hi, Haggis!)

One thing I meant to bring, which is really fun for a laid-back picnic, is a deck of cards (next time)!

The Picnic Menu.

Signature Tuna Pasta Salad. Favorite combo is tuna, black olives, and sweet pickles. Plus a few other ingredients.

Yummy bread + butter.

These brownies {recipe below}.

Fruit salad {plain fruit or Fruit Salad with Poppyseed Dressing}

We had such a fun time, packed up the basket, folded the blanket … just in time, because the rains started within minutes of getting back to our car!

When is the last time you took the time to pack a picnic and share it with a friend?

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Get the Recipe:

Chocolate Chip Coconut Fudge Brownies

Cook Time: 30 minutes mins

Yield: 12 -16

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Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

• 1/2 cup 1 stick butter, melted
• 1 ` cup dark brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. coconut extract
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup coconut
• 1/4 cup fudge topping, I buy Trader Joe’s

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare (grease or flour) a 8×8 baking pan.
• Whisk together the butter and sugar; add the egg and extracts. Mix in the flour; stir. Add the chocolate chips; mix together.
• Spread the batter in the baking dish; sprinkle with coconut and bake for 25-30 minutes.
• Lightly heat the 1/4 cup of fudge topping and spread on top of the warm brownies. Allow to cool for 30 minutes before cutting into small pieces. Serve!

Author: Sandy / Reluctant Entertainer

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This post is sponsored by Q Squared NYC, but as always, all opinions are my own.