Antipasto Pasta Salad, Gingered Fruit Salad, Picnic Checklist

ANTIPASTO PASTA SALAD
Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

1 pound rotini or fusilli (corkscrew-shaped pastas)
2 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
1/3 cup red-wine vinegar
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 ounce (1/2 cup) sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil), soaked in hot water for 5 minutes and drained well
1/2 pound smoked mozzarella, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
a 1-pound can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
3 1/2 ounces sliced hard salami, cut into julienne strips
10 to 20 bottled small peperoncini (pickled Tuscan peppers)
1/2 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
1 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leafed parsley leaves, minced
In a kettle of boiling salted water cook the rotini until it is tender and drain it. Refresh the pasta under cold water and drain it well. In a blender blend the garlic, the mustard, the vinegars, the water, the oil, and salt to taste until the dressing is emulsified. In a very large bowl toss the pasta well with the dressing and stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, the mozzarella, the garbanzos, the salami, the Tuscan peppers, the red pepper flakes, and the parsley. Chill the salad, covered, for 1 hour. The salad may be made 2 days in advance and kept covered and chilled.



GINGERED FRUIT SALAD
2 fresh peaches
3 md plums
1 whole cantaloupe
1/2 whole honeydew melon
1/2 lb green and red grapes
1/2 c fresh lime juice
1 ts lime rind -- grated
1/4 c honey
1/2 c candied ginger root --
: chopped finely

Prepare all fruit by washing, peeling if desired,
removing pits and slicing into bite-size pieces.
Melons may be scooped out with a melon baller, if
desired. Combine all fruit in a large ceramic bowl.
Mix lime juice, rind, honey, and ginger together. Pour
over fruit, toss, and marinate for at least six hours.
Serve chilled or at room temperature



A Picnic Checklist

* A large blanket or tablecloth. For damp lawns, bring a tarp.
* Napkins. (Cloth napkins make a nice impression).
* Paper towels and/or a few hand towels for cleanup.
* Forks, knives and spoons.
* Serving utensils.
* Plates. (Bowls, if necessary).
* Wine and water glasses. Sturdy, reuseable plastic works well.
* A corkscrew and bottle opener, if necessary.
* A can opener, if necessary.
* A small cutting board or cheese board.
* Portable food favorites. See our picnic feature for more ideas.
* Lots of fluids (including non-alcoholic beverages for rehydrating).
* One cooler for beverages and another for perishable foods. If your cooler doesn't have wheels, consider a wagon.
* Garbage bags.
* Sunscreen.
* Insect repellent.
* Candles. Citronella varieties can help fight mosquitos. Look for enclosed holders with a sturdy base. Tall tapers are difficult to manage safely outdoors, and exposed wicks are easily extinguished by wind.
* A flashlight.
* Family and friends!