Mother’s Day Outdoor Cinema Picnic Ideas – The Menu

Serena Faber Nelson Founder & Pet Lifestyle Writer

Pet lifestyle expert Serena Faber-Nelson is the founder of Pretty Fluffy. A contributor to Everyday with Rachael Ray, Modern Dog Magazine, Cesars Way and more; her modern, stylized take on DIY dog treats has seen her recipes viewed millions of times over.

Serena is the author of the go-to dog mom bible, Dog Mama, and the popular dog treat recipe book, Healthy Homemade Dog Treats.

Looking for a way to spoil your mum? Following in our Outdoor Cinema series, we have the best Mother’s Day Picnic Ideas to round out a perfect evening.

Today is all about the menu for your very own backyard cinema – from delish sandwiches, to yummy snacks and sweet treats…there’s something for everyone!

MOTHERS DAY PICNIC IDEAS – THE MENU

– Homemade baguettes (see full recipe below)
– Butterfly cupcakes (see full recipe below)
– Homemade Popcorn
– Healthy No-Bake Treats for you and your pooch
– Sweetapolita S’mores

Outdoor Cinema Picnic Baguettes

YOU’LL NEED:
2 x french breadsticks
2 x tomatoes
90g Bocconcini
Bunch of fresh basil
Olive Oil

DIRECTIONS:
1. Cut each breadstick into thirds and each third into halves.
2. Lay fresh basil and sliced bocconcini.
3. Add sliced tomato, drizzle with fresh olive oil and season with cracked pepper.
4. Tie with string for presentation. Makes 6 Sandwiches.

TOPPING VARIATIONS:
1. For the Vegetarians: Try… Baked sweet potato, caramelised red onion in balsamic, baby spinach & fetta.
2. For the Healthy Eaters: Try… Sliced free range turkey, cranberry, rocket & camembert.
3. For the Foodies: Try… Prosciutto, dijon mustard & jarlsberg.

Outdoor Cinema Butterfly Cupcakes

YOU’LL NEED:
200g unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup caster sugar
3 eggs
2 1/2 cups self-raising flour, sifted
1/2 cup milk
1 cup Strawberry Jam
300ml thickened cream, whipped
Icing sugar (for presentation)
1 x cupcake tin
Cupcake paper cases

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Line cupcake tin with paper cases.
2. Using an electric mixer, beat butter, vanilla and sugar in a small bowl. Add eggs one by one, beating after each addition (mixture will separate at this stage). Transfer mixture to a large bowl. Stir in half the flour. Stir in half the milk. Repeat with remaining flour and milk until combined.
3. Spoon mixture into paper cases. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Cakes will spring back to the touch when cooked.
4. Remove from oven. Stand cakes in pans for 2 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
5. To decorate, cut a 2cm-deep x 3cm-wide piece from top of each cake. Set tops aside. Spoon 2 teaspoons jam into each hole. Spoon cream over jam.
6. Cut tops in half and arrange pieces over cream to form wings. Dust with icing sugar. Makes 24 cakes.

MORE OF OUR MOTHER’S DAY SERIES

Visit the rest of our Mother’s Day Outdoor Cinema Posts!

DIY OUTDOOR CINEMA

DIY PRINTABLE POPCORN BAGS

Important Note: If you wish to incorporate any of my DIY designs in your own work, please credit Pretty Fluffy and link back to the original project. Please feel free to pin or re-blog some of the images but be sure to link back to Pretty Fluffy and the original post. Thank you!!

** The above recipe is for treats only and should not replace your dog’s regular meal plans. Always check with your vet about any major changes to your dog’s diet.

 WANT MORE HOMEMADE HEALTHY DOG TREAT RECIPES?

Check out our eBook 52 Weeks of Treats – Simple & Healthy Dog Treat Recipes for Every Season.

Now in it’s 2nd edition, 52 Weeks of Treats has over 30 healthy DIY dog treat recipes – including everything from summer ‘Blueberry Pupsicles’ to hearty winter ‘Beef Bites’.

With a handy allergies guide, quick references for grain and dairy free recipes AND a whole section just for special occasions (Doggie Birthday Cake anyone?) 52 Weeks of Treats is the ultimate dog treat recipe book.