Down here in the Sunny South sometimes it gets just too hot to want to grill outside or there are times I just want to enjoy my company. This quick and easy Summer Picnic Menu helps me do just that!!!! Break out the checkered tables clothes, straw hats, some cool country music and enjoy!!

Country Style Baked Beans
Momma's Homemade Potato Salad
Haystack Supper
Picnic Perfect Pecan Pie

Country Style Baked Beans

4 cans (16 ozs each) baked beans, drained
1 bottle (12 ozs) chili sauce
large onion, chopped
1 pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup packed brown sugar

In a large mixing bowl combine all ingredients and mix well. Split the bean mixture between two greased 2-qt. baking dishes and bake, uncovered at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until heated through. Yield: 10-12 Servings

Momma's Potato Salad

8 medium red potatoes, cooked, cooled and cubed
5 hard cooked eggs, chopped
1 ½ cup mayonnaise
2/3 cup sour cream
3 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tsp spicy mustard
½ cup scallions
1 tsp celery seed
2 tsp paprika
salt & pepper to taste

Place cubed potatoes in bowl with eggs. Combine the remaining ingredients in a separate bowl mixing well then pouring over potato mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight. Yield: 8-10 servings

Haystack Supper

1 1/3 crushed saltines (about 40 crackers)
2 cups cooked rice
3 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 ½ cup tomato juice
¾ cup water
3 tbsp taco seasoning mix
seasoned salt, salt & pepper to taste
4 cups shredded lettuce
3 medium tomatoes, diced
½ cup butter or margarine
½ cup all purpose flour
4 cups milk
1 pound processed American cheese, cubed
3 cups (12 ozs) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 jar (10 ozs) stuffed olives, drained and sliced
1 package (14 ½ ozs) tortilla chips

divide crackers between two ungreased 13x9x12-in baking dishes. Top with rice. In a skillet cook ground beef and onion until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add tomato juice, water and seasonings; simmering for 20 minutes. Spoon over rice. Sprinkle with lettuce and tomatoes.

In a sauce pan, melt butter, stirring in flour till smooth, gradually adding milk. Bring to a boil, cook and stir for 2 minutes, reduce heat and stir in American Cheese until melted. Pour over tomatoes and top with cheddar cheese and olives. Serve with tortilla chips. Yield: 10-12 servings.

Picnic Perfect Pecan Pie

3 eggs
1 cup dark corn syrup
½ cup sugar
2 tbsp butter or margarine, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp salt
1 cup chopped pecans
1 unbaked pastry shell ( 9 inches )

In a bowl beat the eggs lightly, while stirring in corn syrup, sugar, butter, vanilla and salt. Add pecans and mix well. Pour mixture into pie shell, covering loosely with foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 20 minutes longer or until a knife inserted in the center of the pie comes out clean. Yield: 6-8 servings

About the Author: LorrieAnn is a Single Mom to 5 wonderful kids. With 2 sons grown and out on their own, she resides in Florida with her 3 teenagers, 2 dogs, 2 cats and a bird. Along with her Home-Based Business, The Country Carousel, LorrieAnn also owns the HomeAndHeart Prayer List. Her hobbies include freelance writing for Christian Websites, Cooking & Baking, Gardening, Horses and anything to do with Ocean.

Check out her business: The Country Carousel Home To Quality Watkins Products, USANA Skin Care & Nutritional Supplements, The Teddy Bear Cafe And The CC Gift Line For All Occasions!