by Chris Varaste

If you had to pick a color to represent the summer months, what would it be?

Since we’re talkin’ Barbie^® here, naturally it’s got to be pink! That includes Barbie pink as well as all the gorgeous shades that brighten your garden this time of year.

With pink roses in full bloom, what better way to celebrate the season than a fabulous pretty-in-pink Barbie picnic? Surprise your favorite pals and “spring” for the brand new deluxe picnic set featuring beautiful vintage illustrations of Barbie and Ken^®!

But wait, let’s not forget the treats. It wouldn’t be a picnic without easy to prepare snacks that taste great — just think pink while you sip that tall glass of pink lemonade!

For a healthy starter, I love salmon and cucumber sandwiches. You can serve the salmon chilled or smoked, however you prefer, and follow it with something light and refreshing, like my personal favorite “pink salad” recipe:

1 can of cherry pie filling

2 containers frozen whipped topping, thawed

1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounce)

1 can crushed pineapple, drained (15 ounce)

1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened)

1 cup chopped pecans

Combine all ingredients in a medium sized bowl. Chill for 2 hours and garnish with pecan sliver -- that’s all there is to it!

For dessert, let your imagination run wild with pinkalicious options! Cherries and strawberries lend themselves to a festive pink party theme and can be used for a variety of desserts. I love chocolate-covered strawberries and have yet to turn down a piece of homemade cherry pie! 

Do you have a special recipe that would make a terrific addition to a Barbie pink-inspired picnic? Tell us about it!