I am lucky to live in a place where you really could eat outside most months of the year. We have a special little spot, the grass hill above Salt Creek Beach, that has been our go-to picnic spot for a number of years. It's no secret, families and couples gather on that hill around 5 o'clock with coolers of mismatched tupperware, wine in plastic cups or take out of choice. It's a pretty mild incline, so while eating on a hill may sound bothersome, it's quickly excused when you figure the expansive view of the ocean everyone sees because of it. One of these days we'll post a picture for you, because it truly is one of my favorite spots on earth.
While the people watching at dinner time is entertaining, we recently discovered the joy that is picnicking in the morning. I pick up breakfast burritos, Hugh brings coffee in a thermos, and we watch the quiet waves. It's almost too perfect, oh and I love it. The only caveat is that there aren't too many breakfast foods that travel well. I imagine a frittata would suffice, or maybe even some pancakes if you wrapped them in the right container. However, a breakfast burrito requires no utensils and in the case of the recipe below, you get your grains, protein, and vegetables in one package! If you do decide to make them, whether you're picnicking or not, add or take away fillings as you desire. Change the cheese, add bacon or potatoes if you're feeling authentic. Whether it's your backyard or a short drive to a pretty spot, this is the season to eat outside, go.
PICNIC BREAKFAST BURRITOS // Makes 4
The deal with burritos, is that if you use standard size tortillas, the goods burst out. So after trial and error, we suggest either getting the large tortillas, or using corn tortillas, and making breakfast tacos as an alternative. Alter the amount of filling according to what size tortilla you choose.
10 Eggs
1/4 Cup Whole Milk
1/3 Cup Chopped Cilantro/Basil
Pinch of Sea Salt/Pepper/ Red Pepper flakes
2 Cups Baby Tomatoes
1 Tsp. Olive Oil
3/4 Cup Diced Yellow Onion
Pinch of Sea Salt
2 Cups Baby Spinach
1 Cup Shredded Pepperjack
1 Avocado
4 Large, Whole Grain Tortillas (see note above)
Oven to 350'
1. Halve the baby tomatoes and put them on a rimmed baking tray. Add the diced onion, pinch of salt, olive oil and toss to coat. Roast on the upper rack for 20-25 minutes while you get everything else ready.
2. Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl, add the milk and generously pinch of salt, red pepper flakes and pepper and whisk well. Whisk until they are a consistent color and all yolks are broken up. Add the eggs into a saucepan over medium heat (you really want almost medium low, as eggs that are cooked a bit slower tend to have a softer texture that flash cooked on high heat. Remember, you have to wait 20 minutes for the tomatoes anyway). Scramble the eggs slowly, when they are a few minutes to done, toss in all of the chopped herbs and turn off the heat, they will continue to cook, I promise.
3. Warm each of your tortillas over the stove to warm through, I like mine to get a few little blisters on each side. Lay them on a cutting board and sprinkle with the cheese. Make a layer of baby spinach, pile a quarter of the eggs, and the roasted tomato/onion mix, down the middle of each tortilla. Layer thin slices of avocado on top. Fold both ends, and roll if using a big burrito tortilla. If using taco size, you'll halve the amount of goodies per tortilla.
