We had some pretty sad faces around here Thursday morning when a torrential downpour threatened to wash out our plans to picnic at the beach. But wouldn’t you know, by lunchtime the skies had cleared, the sun was shining and those frowns were upside down. We were back on, baby! Bring your shades, your sunscreen and your appetite and join us for picnic!

My mom was visiting, so she and my daughter helped me throw together a couple of quick salads. (Many hands make light work, right?) We’ve got a potato, bacon and tomato salad with bocconcini and sweet peas (it’s super chill but I’ll put the recipe here for you) and a melon salad with basil from our herb garden. You’ll have both? Great! We’ll fix you a plate.

I don’t know about you, but I could live on President’s Choice Tomato Olive Bruschetta topping. I love it tossed in a salad with tuna and couscous. It’s also delicious on a hot dog. (We like Maple Leaf Top Dogs on squishy-fresh Wonder Bread buns.)

If you haven’t tried it, prepare to have your mind blown.

And with Tostitos? Forget it! Maybe the best thing evah.

What can I get you to drink? Our mini vacay to Tremblant (more on that in another post) had me wanting the fruity water they served every day at breakfast so we made some of our own lemon spa-water and we’ve got plenty of Diet Pepsi (my fave).

Now tell me you saved room for dessert.

This is what I like to call Butterscotch Dream Dip. It’s merry-go-rounds and angels singing and Nordstrom anniversary sales all in one heavenly layered dessert. Which you may or may not wish to scoop up with apple slices or inhale directly from the jar. I’m sharing the recipe for that here too. (You’re welcome.)

What’s with all the (brand) name-dropping, you ask? Well not only are they our faves, but they’ve also partnered to bring you all kinds of ah-mazing recipes, tips and ideas at LetsDoPicnic.ca. We picked up all of our supplies at Loblaws, but you can find them at any President’s Choice retailer.

#LetsDoPicnic, baby!

Tweet with #LetsDoPicnic partners! You’ll find them at @MapleLeafFoods @PepsiCanada @LaysCanada @TostitosCanada @WonderBreadCa and @PresChoice.

Potato, Bacon and Tomato Salad

Serves 6

2 680 gram packages President’s Choice Mixed Little Gems Yellow, Red and Blue Mini Potatoes

1 375 gram package Maple Leaf Bacon

2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes

1 200 gram container President’s Choice Cocktail Bocconcini Soft Fresh Cheese

1 cup fresh sweet peas

splash of olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook potatoes until tender (we microwaved them on high for 10 minutes), then barbecue for 5 to 10 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Set aside to cool.

Cook bacon per package instructions, then tear or slice into bite-sized pieces.

Drain the bocconcini.

Toss all ingredients together in a large bowl.

Butterscotch Dream Dip

Serves 6

1 1L tub whipped dessert topping

2 227 gram containers whipped cream cheese

1/2 355 ml jar President’s Choice Old Fashioned Butterscotch Ice Cream and Dessert Topping

1 cup shelled pistachios or chopped walnuts

Directions

In a large bowl, stir together whipped dessert topping and both containers of cream cheese until smooth.

Layer with butterscotch topping and nuts.

Serve with apple slices if desired.

I partnered with Maple Leaf on this post, however all opinions are my own.