By Megan O'Connell, Student at University of Wisconsin-Platteville

The flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping, and we are all donning our newest and cutest rain boots. Spring has certainly sprung!

The only thing getting us through the last couple of weeks of classes are the shirtless soccer players practicing on the green and the scent of summer in the air.

To get yourself through these last final weeks of classes, unleash your adventurous spirit and go on a picnic! Grab a friend, pack a lunch and look up some great local picnic areas or go find your own. Below is a stash of recipes from my favorite go-to items to take on a spring picnic.

2 Spicy Veggie Wraps

Ingredients:
2 whole wheat tortillas
1/4 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 diced green pepper
1/4 diced banana pepper
1/8 cup diced jalapeno pepper
1/2 cup lettuce
1/8 cup shredded cheddar
2 tablespoons spicy ranch dressing

Directions:
Making a wrap is pretty self-explanatory. Divide all your ingredients between the two wraps and wrap your wrap up like a burrito.

Cucumber Sandwiches

Ingredients:
8 slices of mini rye bread
8 cucumber slices
1/4 cup of cream cheese
1 tablespoon dill

Directions:
Spread cream cheese onto each slice of rye bread. Top each slice with a cucumber and a dash of dill.

Fruit Kabobs

Ingredients:
Strawberries
Pineapple chunks
Watermelon
Blackberries
Wooden skewers
Lemon juice

Directions:
Chop all ingredients except the blackberries. Slide them onto a wooden skewer. Squeeze lemon juice over your kabobs to keep the fruit fresher longer!

Sangria

Ingredients:
A bottle of white sangria
Frozen fruit of your choice

Directions:
Pour your bottle of sangria into a pitcher and fill it with frozen fruit of your choice. Bring along a few wine glasses!
 

Check out local thrift shops for a picnic basket. If Macklemore’s doing it, you can too! If you can't find a picnic basket to use, just pack everything in a cooler or laundry basket. Grab a blanket and prepare yourself for an unwinding adventure with delicious foods!

Image courtesy of Michelle Meiklejohn / FreeDigitalPhotos.net