(Almost) Nancy's Chopped Salad with Oregano Vinaigrette

It's the second Wednesday of the month, and that means it's time for another edition of the Blogger C.L.U.E. Society! Our theme this month is PICNIC FOOD, and my assignment was Authentic Suburban Gourmet. Authentic Suburban Gourmet is the creative expression of Lisa, a successful executive by day, who uses creativity and thoughts (authentic) and readily available ingredients (suburban) with an elegant and sophisticated touch (gourmet) for cooking, creating, and entertaining. To learn more about this born and bred Bay Area foodie, check out her about page.

It wasn't hard finding inspiration for a picnic at Lisa's place. I could see myself spreading out on a blanket under a shady tree to unpack a basket filled with everything from Oven Roasted Tomato and Goat Cheese Tarts to French Cheese Straws (alongside some fruit and other nibbles) to a Grilled Egg and Olive Sandwich. Oh, and of course a good bottle of wine to accompany everything, and these perfect little Apricot, Blueberry and Cardamom Hand Pies to finish things off.

Buttermilk Chicken Kebabs w/ Chopped Salad

When in doubt, put it on a stick.  Everybody loves food on a stick!  Aside from being fresh and healthy, this meal is both quick and inexpensive, as well.

I like to buy the extra large family packs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs - especially when they are on sale.  Usually I'll wind up dividing the thighs up into smaller portions...maybe a pound or two per freezer bag.  That way, I can pull out what I need, when I need it.