Here’s the deal…why am I not in France right now? I know I’m on a crazy deadline for my next cookbook, but I feel like I should be in Europe. Provence to be exact. Last week it was Italy, and now I’ve moved on to the French Riviera. All I know is that next summer is going to be ON POINT. There will be some major European adventuring involved! And def some Easy French Summer Picnics IN FRANCE!
Since we can’t all pick up and hop over to France this weekend, I figured I’d bring it to us with an Easy French Summer Picnic. One of my favorite things I notice every time we’re in France is that the art of a picnic can be really simple. You don’t have to go overboard and it doesn’t need to be stressful. Just grab a few key ingredients like a great baguette, some cheeses, a few kinds of charcuterie and then of course something a little sweet - in today’s case we’re going with the best fruit spreads on the PLANET to add to our DIY sandwich situation!
If you haven’t tried Bonne Maman before, just do me a favor, remove yourself from the rock you’ve been living under and be prepared to have your life altered for the best. I grew up with a stocked Bonne Maman pantry - my parents have always been obsessed with all their preserves and jellies… my dad especially. He’ll slather a big spoonful on a piece of homemade bread for a little afternoon snack and call it a day. Clearly, he’s living his best French inspired life as well.
The secret to the Bonne Maman Preserves, Jellies, Fruit Spreads and Curd is simple and right up our alley here on WGC…. It’s all about the ingredients. Their spreads are made from the same time-honored traditional French recipes that they’ve been using for decades! All the recipes are made with natural ingredients and feature only the finest quality fruit…. Nothing your grandma wouldn’t have used if she was making this in her kitchen. Just whole fruit, sugar, lemon juice, and fruit pectin…. that’s it!
Recently, Bonne Maman launched their Bonne Maman INTENSE Fruit Spreads and let me just tell you… I AM ADDICTED (see my IG stories today!)
They are made with more fruit and 39% less sugar than their regular preserves. Bonne Maman preserves, jellies and fruit spreads are Non-GMO Project Verified, have no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial coloring or no preservatives added. It’s just simple ingredients with a homemade taste and I am HERE FOR IT!! So go grab a few jars - I’m particularly obsessed with the strawberry one, and gather the rest of your picnic ingredients below! Find yourself a picnic basket and blanket and a patch of shady grass so you can sip on some Rosé and spend a day outside with friends.
Easy French Summer Picnic list:
- French baguettes
- Cheeses, any assortment will do but I love a soft cheese (brie like) with the Bonne Maman flavors!
- Prosciutto or Salami
- Fresh Fruit (Blueberries, Strawberries, Cherries, Grapes etc)
- Assorted Bonne Maman INTENSE Fruit Spreads
- Bottle or two of Rose
Photo by Matt Armendariz / Food Styling by Adam Pearson / Recipe from What’s Gaby Cooking
Gaby, where can I purchase those delicious looking jams?
I've seen them at Whole Foods, Ralphs, Safeway etc... depends what part of the country you're in!
I love the idea of a French picnic, but love your dress even more! Can you please tell me where you got it?
Thank you!
Natalie Martin!
Love this and looking forward to some picnics when the weather cools down just a bit! ❤️ Can you tell me what hard cheese you used here?
Bonne Maman is the best. I was introduced to these most delicious jams in France on our River Cruise. In Paris I stocked up on these jams trying my best to be under the 50 lb. weight in our luggage, so of course I loaded them into my husband's luggage as well. Have been buying them ever since. I would recommend this brand to anyone that loves jams, jellies, fruit spreads, etc.
One thing for sure, the French know how to do food! My husband and I are planning on going to the South of France in the near future.
You’re French Picnic is really inspiring but cannot wait to try the Gameday recipes. By the way, that dress is absolutely darlingAny link or contact info?
I just love the less sugar more fruit plan. We are jam lovers, and long overdue for a picnic!
Hi Gabby you have inspired me to do a French picnic in the circle of Old Towne Orange the most Charming little town in Orange County if you haven't been there you should come and visit us I know you'll love it...❤ I'll let you know how it turns out thanks for the inspiration Barbara Jones Apple Rose Cottage