Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

When I first started researching recipes for the instant pot Mac and Cheese recipes were popping up everywhere. People boasting it was so easy even their children can prepare it. I looked at them all but which one to choose? I already have an easy stove top recipe that I love. Well last night I tried adapting it to the instant pot. It worked perfectly! Everyone is right it is so easy and fast. The best part is you don't have to drain the pasta or use multiple pots. My version is a little different from the recipes I have seen. It uses store bought Alfredo to achieve a creamy cheesy sauce. You can use any brand, light styles, four cheese flavors or even the Alfredo sauce from the refrigerator section. Size of the sauce doesn't seem to matter much either; 10, 15 or 16 ounces work with similar results. So give it a try and make it you own. Use any blend of cheese you like or any shape of pasta you have on hand. Just cook for half of the recommended time on the package. Be careful when using quick release. I didn't have any sputtering with this amount of pasta but if you double the recipe you might? So use caution maybe let release naturally for a minute or two. I left the pot on warm while stirring in the cheese, but I turned it off once everything was smooth and cheesy. It kept warm covered on OFF until the chicken I baked rested for 10 minutes. Such an easy, delicious main dish or side from the instant pot. I see making this more often than I should. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Makes 2 to 3 main-dish or 4 to 6 side-dish servings

Ingredients

2 cups water
2 cups (8 oz) elbow macaroni, uncooked

1 (16 oz) jar Alfredo sauce

1/2 cup milk

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 tsp. ground red pepper (optional, might be too spicy for children)

2 cups (8 oz) sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

Add 2 cups water to instant pot, stir in macaroni. Secure with lid and set to sealing. Cook at high pressure for 4 minutes or half of the time recommended on the package. Perform a quick release. Use caution, pasta can sometimes foam up a bit and spray out of the vent. Stir macaroni breaking up any clumps. Stir in Alfredo sauce, milk, black pepper, salt, red pepper (if using) and cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and serve.

Tip: Add milk to empty Alfredo sauce jar, replace lid and shake. Pour every drop of milk and sauce mixture into pot.

Variations: Use any cheese or blend of cheeses you like. This recipe is very customizable. Works with many shapes of pasta too. Use shells or penne, just cook for half of the time recommended on the package.

Want a lighter version? Use skim milk, light Alfredo sauce and 2% cheese. It is still delicious.

Don't have a instant pot or pressure cooker? Check out this stove top version here: Creamy Mac and Cheese

Instant Pot Creole Pasta

Back in the 90's when I worked in downtown Shreveport, we would often go to Pete Harris Cafe for their weekly lunch specials. Their specials were some of the best soul food around. Specials like chicken fried steak, smothered pork chops, fried fish and potato salad every Friday. All served with sides like greens, black eye peas, corn bread and peach cobbler for dessert. One of their more unique specials was creole spaghetti. It was a plate full of spaghetti with a rusty red sauce, smoked sausage, peppers and onions. It was so different, I had never seen anything quite like it. The cafe is long gone and I have tried replicating the recipe many times. I have made it stove-top with different shaped pastas, in one pot or multiple pots. I have used different brands of pasta sauce and sausage, it always turns out delicious. I have tried low sodium versions with canned Italian tomatoes and even substituting frozen onion and pepper blend, still so very good. Recently I tried adapting the recipe to the Instant Pot. I used the one pot pasta technique and it worked perfectly. Such a savory, smoky and delicious pasta dish with tons of creole flair! I like using the Instant Pot. It was a set it and forget method, no stirring. A few pieces of pasta that came in contact with the bottom of the pot got a little brown so I suggest patting the pasta into the liquid or stirring it into the top only just to be safe. This is a fast weeknight meal I will keep making in the Instant Pot. I hope you will too.

Instant Pot Creole Pasta
Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients

Olive oil
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced (I used Richard's Turkey Sausage)
2 medium onions, sliced
2 bell peppers, sliced
1 tsp. Cajun Seasoning, or to taste (I used Extra Spicy Mrs. Dash)
1 jar (28 oz.) Pasta Sauce, traditional flavor (I used low sodium Organic)
1 box (16 oz.) of spaghetti or pasta (I used penne)*

Directions

Place instant pot on saute. When hot drizzle with a little olive oil and add sausage. Brown sausage on each side. Add onions and peppers, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Stir to separate onions slices and combine ingredients. Turn off instant pot and add pasta sauce, one jar full of water and pasta. Stir to combine, scrapping the bottom of the pot. Pat down ingredients so that pasta is submerged in liquid. Cover pot and set to sealing, cook at high pressure for half of the time recommended on the pasta packaging (6 minutes for penne). When done turn off pot and let rest 1 minute before performing a quick release. Stir and serve.

*Note: If you prefer saucy pasta use less pasta, about 12 oz.

Stove Top Directions:

Bring a large pot of water to boil for the spaghetti or pasta of your choice. In another large pot, saute onions, peppers and turkey sausage. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Add pasta sauce, bring to a boil and lower heat to just simmering. Cover pot and stir occasionally. Simmer for 15 minutes to let flavors blend and until pasta is done. Drop spaghetti and cook according to package. Drain pasta and toss with some of the sauce. Top with remaining sauce to serve.

One Pot Stove Top Directions:
In a large pot, saute onions, peppers and turkey sausage. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Add pasta, pasta sauce and one jar full of water. Bring to a boil and lower heat to just simmering. Cover pot and stir occasionally. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until pasta is cooked to your taste and flavors have blended.

Low Sodium Version:
Substitute low sodium pasta sauce or 2 - 15 oz. cans of no salt added Italian tomatoes pulsed in a blender. Use Extra Spicy Mrs. Dash instead of Cajun Seasoning.

Spinach and Artichoke Tortellini Soup

Do you love spinach and artichoke dip? I do! Well here is one you can eat with a spoon. It is another "Souper Supper" tortellini soup. I love one pot, easy meals. You know the kind that you can make on a weeknight in less than 30 minutes. I also love the combination of spinach, artichokes and cheese. Whoever created spinach and artichoke dip was a genius. I usually make a copycat recipe for Houston's spinach and artichoke dip. It uses marinate artichokes, Parmesan and mozzarella cheese; this is where I pulled inspiration for this great soup. It is so easy. You start with a saute of onion, garlic and artichokes. Season with red pepper and Italian seasoning; adding some of those flavors you would find in marinated artichokes. Then you add chicken broth to boil the tortellini. Most of the cheesy goodness is in the spinach and cheese tortellini. When the pasta is almost cooked you add the fresh baby spinach. The finishing creamy touch is half and half. I did add some parm for a cheesy garnish. It is so so good! In fact I have made it twice. Dear sister loved it too. The second time she said, "This is even better than I remember." So you have to try it now. One more thing this soup is like all the other tortellini soups, they are great leftovers. The flavor seems to blend and really infuse the tortellini by the next day! All in all this is another delicious, speedy, dip-able, weeknight supper soup.

Spinach and Artichoke Tortellini Soup

Servings: 4 to 6

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
Black pepper (3 to 4 grinds)
1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 can quartered artichoke hearts, drained
6 cups fat-free, unsalted chicken stock

9 oz. package spinach and cheese tortellini

5 oz. bag of fresh baby spinach

1/2 cup half and half

Parmesan, shredded to garnish

Directions

Place 3-1/2 quart soup pot on medium high heat, add olive oil and onion. Saute until onion is translucent and begins to brown. Add garlic, salt, peppers and Italian seasoning saute 1 minute. Add artichokes and saute 1 or 2 minutes. Add broth and bring to a boil. Add tortellini, simmer 4 minutes. Add spinach and continue to simmer 4 more minutes. Add half and half and taste for seasoning, adjust to taste. Do not let the soup simmer after adding the half and half. Keep warm on low heat. Serve garnished with Parmesan.

Linking to:

Love Bakes Good Cakes: The Ultimate Soup Recipe List Linky

Bloody Mary Hamburger Steaks

This recipe turned out to be a bright idea as well as a bright and savory meal. A while back my Mom made a recipe for Bloody Mary Stew with Egg Noodles and Olives. It was a delicious dish but what I was smitten with was the noodles. I loved the briny bite the olives added to the noodles. The stew was great but you could not taste the Bloody Mary flavors. So I began to think.... Can you hear Jeopardy music playing? I can. LOL! Anyway, back to thinking. I wondered what would be delicious with those noodles? What can I make with more Bloody Mary flavor. Then it occurred to me why not smother a hamburger steak with Bloody Mary Mix. Perfect! I was able to add the Bloody Mary flavors inside the burger then smother it in even more flavor. It was delicious with the noodles. Bright, saucy and tangy comfort food. My only regret is that I was a little timid with the spice. I thought anything spicy or with heat would intensify when cooked and it had time to reduce. It really didn't. So I would say this recipe as is would be family friendly. It is not spicy. But if you are looking for the spicy heat of a Bloody Mary bump up the hot sauce and horseradish. I am totally going to bring the heat next time I make it. I may even try adding a little vodka? I hope you will give it a try. I used a store bought Bloody Mary mix but you could totally use your favorite recipe as well. Don't forget to try the noodles too! You will love them. They are a delicious side for saucy meals like this and stew. So good!

Bloody Mary Hamburger Steaks
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

16 oz lean ground beef
1/4 cup minced shallot or onion
1/4 cup minced celery
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. Horseradish
1 Tbsp. chili sauce
1 garlic clove, minced
Celery salt, to taste
Lemon pepper, to taste
1 Tbsp. olive oil
12 oz. Bloody Mary Mix
1 tsp. hot sauce, or to taste

Directions

In medium bowl, combine beef, onion, celery, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, chili sauce, and garlic; form mixture into four equal patties, each about 3/4" thick. Season both sides with celery salt and lemon pepper.

Heat olive oil in medium nonstick skillet over medium heat 1 minute; add patties. Cook, turning once, 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned.

Add Bloody Mary Mix and hot sauce to skillet; reduce heat to low. Cook, 5 minutes, until patties are cooked through and sauce reduces. Serve over Egg Noodles with Olives.

Egg Noodles with Olives

Serves 4

Ingredients

4 cups dry egg noodles
2 tsp. olive oil
1/2 cup sliced green olives
4 ribs from the heart of celery with leaves, sliced
Kosher salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Directions

Prepare egg noodles according to package directions in salted water. Drain and place in a serving bowl. Drizzle with olive oil. Add olives and celery, season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss to combine. Serve as a side to Bloody Mary Hamburger Steak or stew.

Linking to:
Miz Helen's Country Cottage: Full Plate Thursday
Love Bake Good Cakes: Freedom Fridays with All My Bloggy Friends
Tornadough Alli: Throwback Thursday Link Party
Reasons To Skip The Housework: STH Link Party

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Here is another restaurant copycat recipe. I tried this soup at Panera Bread recently and immediately wanted to make it at home. I tried a recipe I found on Pinterest and thought it was delicious but decided to make some adjustments of my own. First, I did not get fussy about measuring the veggies. I added more spinach and onion. I also added a clove of garlic too. I tried to chop the veggies really fine, just as small as I could. I wanted to be able to almost drink the soup without a spoon. I also decided to add a tempered egg to add body and silkiness to the broth. It also balances the lemon juice really well. It turned out delicious. I know it is summer and all that, but this soup is light and fresh. It made a great lunch for dear sister and I. We have to thank dear sister for being my hand model today. Without her you could not have seen all the goodies hidden below the surface of the soup. I told her I may need her services in the future. The last photo is my favorite. She really captured all the delicious ingredients in that one spoon. I hope it will tempt you enough to try this recipe for yourself.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients

8 cups fat-free low sodium chicken broth
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (6 ounces)
1 medium carrot, peeled and cut into small pieces
1 large celery stalk, cut into small pieces
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup chopped spinach, chopped
1 sprig fresh oregano, leaves only
1 sprig fresh basil (6 to 8 leaves), chopped
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
1/2 cup dry orzo
Juice of 1 medium lemon
1 egg, beaten
Lemon slices (optional garnish)
Grated Parmesan (optional)

Directions

Place all of the ingredients except the lemon juice, egg and garnishes in a 4-quart pot. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the orzo is cooked al dente.

Remove the chicken breast from the soup, dice into 1/2” inch pieces, and return to the pot. Add the lemon juice to beaten egg, whisking to combine. Slowly drizzle in a ladle of broth from soup into egg mixture whisking as you go. Add two more ladles of broth continuing to whisk. Add egg, lemon and broth mixture to soup pot stirring to combine. 

To serve, remove and discard the bay leaf. Ladle soup into individual bowls and garnish with lemon slice and/or Parmesan cheese (optional).

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Linking to:

Love Bakes Good Cakes: The Ultimate Soup Recipe List Linky
Tumbleweed Contessa: What'd You Do This Weekend?

Carole's Chatter: Food on Friday - Soup

Edamame Broth Bowl

Dear sister is to thank for this delicious recipe. She was the one who introduced me to the Broth Bowls at Panera Bread. They were so good! It inspired me to try to make them at home. I looked at the ingredient list and just experimented with the quantities. The mushroom mixture was very easy. The broth relatively easy too. It just needs time to infuse the garlic and ginger into the broth. I also thought that straight veggie broth was too much. I like thinning it out with a little water. It was lighter and let the garlic, ginger and miso to be more prominent. The edamame blend however was a little more challenging. I wanted the smoky fire roasted flavor but it really dries out the edamame. I found that if you cook the edamame first and broil to get the fire roasted dark bits they are not as tough. I also found placing them hot from the broiler into a bowl and covering them helps them steam a little bit. I have made both the chicken broth bowl and the edamame broth bowl now. I find the edamame broth bowl has a wonderful smoky flavor. Just delicious! They are so easy and you could definitely make as a make ahead meal. Just make all the components one day and assemble and re-heat the next. Or take it for lunch. The leftovers re-heat well. I will definitely be making these bowls over and over again. Next time I will make the chicken version and share the Thai Seasoning Blend I made with you. So check back soon. In the meantime enjoy this make at home copycat meal. I hope you will enjoy it as much as we did.

Edamame Broth Bowl

Makes 4 large servings

Ingredients

12 to 16 oz. bag frozen edamame

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 small carrot, julienned or small dice

1 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. olive oil (divided)
kosher salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes to taste

1 small onion, chopped

8 oz. mushrooms, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced (divided)

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

4 cups unsalted vegetable broth

2 cups water

1 Tbsp. low sodium soy sauce

1 Tbsp. low sodium Worcestershire sauce

1 Tbsp. toasted sesame seed oil

1 Tbsp. garlic chili sauce

2 Tbsp. miso paste (I used a mixed style)
8 oz. dry soba noodles (or 4 min. Chinese egg noodles)

2 cups baby spinach

1 cup coleslaw mix

1/2 head of radicchio, shredded

4 to 6 Tbsp. cilantro, torn
Sesame seeds to garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Place the edamame, carrot, red pepper and 1 clove minced garlic in a microwave safe dish. Microwave cover on high for 4 minutes. Let stand 3 minutes; add 1 tsp. olive oil, salt and peppers then pour out onto a large baking sheet. Set oven to broil. Place on the middle rack of the oven and broil for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edamame begins to brown. Remove from the oven, place in a bowl and cover. Set aside until ready to assemble bowls.

Add 2 tsp. olive oil to a large soup pot over medium-low heat. Add onion, sauté’ until onion begins to get translucent. Add sliced mushrooms continue to sauté until mushrooms are soft and begin to brown. Season with salt and peppers and remove from pot and set aside.

Add more olive oil to the pot if necessary; add remaining 2 cloves minced garlic and ginger, sauté until fragrant. Add broth, water, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce simmer on low for 30 minutes. Mean while prepare noodles to package directions. Remove broth from heat and whisk in sesame oil, garlic chili sauce and miso paste.

To serve add a few spinach leaves to 4 large bowls, add some coleslaw, radicchio and 1/4 of the prepared soba noodles. Then add steaming broth over the top. Garnish with 1/4 of the mushrooms, edamame mixture, cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve with a soup spoon and chop sticks.

Linking to:
Miz Helen's Country Cottage: Full Plate Thursday

The Diary of a Real Housewife: Friday Favorites

Love Bakes Good Cakes: Freedom Fridays with All My Bloggy Friends

Ms. en Place: See Ya in the Gumbo

Tumbleweed Contessa: What'd You Do This Weekend?

Anyonita Nibbles: #tastytuesdays

Back to the Basics: Tuesdays with a Twist

Dizzy, Busy & Hungry: Wine'd Down Wednesday

Love Bakes Good Cakes: The Ultimate Soup Recipe List Linky

Creative K Kids: The Ultimate Party on Google+

Memories By The Mile: Treasure Box Tuesday

Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Soup

Here is another "Souper" tortellini soup for you. Do you love rotel dip or cheesy chicken spaghetti? If you do, you are going to be crazy for this soup. It is loaded with flavor. Roasted chicken, onions, peppers, mushrooms, spicy tomatoes, tortellini and a cheesy broth. Oh it is so good! I used a leftover roasted chicken breast and this meal came together so fast. Taste just like crockpot cheesy chicken spaghetti but a lot less work. No waiting for pasta to boil or the crockpot to finish. And . . . I did not use any cans of cream soups. I know people are avoiding those type of prepared soups these days, so I gave it a try. I did not miss them at all. The soup was still creamy and had great flavor. It was delicious the next day for lunch too. All the tortellini soups are better the next day. I am definitely making this one again and again. I know of at least two friends who are going to love this quick take on cheesy chicken spaghetti. I hope you do too.

Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Soup

Serves 6

Ingredients

1 tsp. chicken fat or olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

1/2 green bell pepper, chopped

6 oz. mushrooms, sliced

Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

4 cups unsalted chicken stock

1 (10 oz.) can tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

1 (9 oz.) pkg. three cheese tortellini

1 roasted bone in chicken breast, de-boned and chopped

8 oz. 2% milk Velveeta cheese, chopped

2 cups 2% milk

Directions

Heat chicken fat in a soup pot over medium high heat. Add onion and bell pepper, saute until onion starts to get translucent. Add mushroom continue to cook until mushrooms are soft. Season with salt and pepper. Add chicken stock and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Add tortellini and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 7 minutes and add chicken and cheese. Stir until cheese is melted. Reduce heat to low and stir in milk, allow to warm through and serve.

Note: The soup will separate after sitting for a while. Just stir and the creamy texture will return to normal. Re-heats well on the stove or in the microwave, just avoid bringing to a boil when re-heating.

Linking to:
Love Bakes Good Cakes: Freedom Fridays with All My Bloggy Friends
Love Bakes Good Cakes: The Ultimate Soup Recipe List Linky
Diary of a Real Housewife: Friday Favorites
Ms enPlace: See Ya in the Gumbo
Tumbleweed Contessa: What'd You Do This Weekend?
Creative K Kids: Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party
Carole's Chatter: Food on Friday - Soup

Chicken Carbonara Tortellini Soup

Calling this soup a carbonara soup may cause an up roar. I know there are no eggs or bacon in the list of ingredients. But it sure taste like carbonara. It is rich, cheesy and the ham gives the broth a savory smoky flavor like bacon. I decided to go with a name that suited the flavors not a list of ingredients that would make for a long rambling name. This is another speedy souper supper inspired by Sunny and Rachael's 10 Instant Supper Soups. It is also inspired by a Easy Chicken Manicotti recipe I made once. The flavors were so good but it was a time consuming dish. This easy soup has all the same great flavor and can be ready in less than 20 minutes. And as a bonus it is even better the next day. All the tortellini soups I have made just get better the next day. So make enough to have leftovers. Double the recipe if you have to. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Chicken Carbonara Tortellini Soup

Servings:  6

Ingredients

6 cups fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth

9 oz. package cheese tortellini

1/2 cup diced cooked chicken

1/2 cup diced ham

10 - 12 oz. frozen peas

1/2 cup half and half

Black pepper (3 to 4 grinds)

Ground nutmeg (just a sprinkle)

Parmesan, shredded to garnish

Directions

Place broth in a stock pot, bring to a boil. Add tortellini, simmer 9 minutes or according to package directions. Add chicken, ham, peas and seasoning, continue to cook until peas are defrosted and chicken is warm through. Add half and half and taste for seasoning, adjust to taste. Do not let the soup simmer after adding the half and half. Keep warm on low heat. Serve garnished with Parmesan.

Linking to:
Love Bakes Good Cakes: The Ultimate Soup Recipe List Linky
Ms. enPlace: See Ya in the Gumbo
The Tumbleweed Contessa: What'd You Do This Weekend?
Back to the Basics: Tuesdays with a Twist
Miz Helen's Country Cottage: Full Plate Thursday
My Turn for Us: Freedom Friday with All My Bloggy Friends

Low Sodium Ramen Noodle Salad

When I originally posted my recipe for Oriental Ramen Noodle Salad I had no idea how popular it would be. I mean I thought everyone had their recipe for this simple salad. You know it still remains the most viewed recipe on my blog. Of the two years I have been blogging nothing has been able to de-throne it. 

Well get ready to toss that high sodium flavor packet. I have developed a low sodium version of this popular salad. I have substituted a sodium free bouillon packet and my own spices for the little packet that comes with the ramen. It worked so well. I did add a little more vinegar too. As I mention before vinegar is a great way to add brightness to a dish like salt would. I left out the sunflower seeds and doubled up on the almonds. It can be hard to find unsalted sunflower seeds. Honestly ... I forgot to even look when I was at the store. I did not miss them, the almonds have great crunch too. The fact that I left out the seeds did inspire the sesame garnish. They really add a finishing touch to this salad. I was really pleased with this low sodium make-over. Dear sister even said she did not miss the salt in this one. Well there you go a salt shaker stamp of approval. It is definitely worth a try real soon. Don't you think?

Low Sodium Ramen Noodle Salad

Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients

1 pkg Ramen noodles any flavor

1 large package Coleslaw mix

1 bunch green onions, sliced

1/2 cup silvered almonds
Black and white sesame seeds, to garnish

Dressing:

1/2 cup water

2 Tbsp. canola oil

2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

1 packet sodium free chicken bouillon granules

1/4 cup sugar

1/8 tsp. ground ginger

1/8 tsp. garlic powder

1/8 tsp. onion powder

1/8 tsp. white pepper

1/8 tsp. dried chives

1/8 tsp. five spice powder

Directions

Toss or save ramen flavor packet for another use. Break noodles into pieces and mix with coleslaw mix, onions, and almonds in a large bowl. Combine ingredients for the dressing in a jar and shake vigorously. Pour over salad, toss and chill for several hours. When ready to eat, toss again to coat. Garnish with sesame seeds.

Linking to:
Ms. enPlace: See Ya in the Gumbo
The Chicken Chick: Clever Chicks Blog Hop
The Tumbleweed Contessa: What'd You Do This Weekend?
Memories By The Mile: Treasure Box Tuesday
Stone Cottage Adventures: Tuesdays with a Twist
Carole's Chatter: Food on Friday - Picnic Food