Al Fresco Lunch on The Patio

I love to dine out doors, I feel food just tastes better when eaten in the fresh air. To celebrate the end of summer, here is another recent meal al fresco: Pissaladiere, the French onion tart and sparkling lemonade. Délicieux! There are many recipes for Pissaladière, this one referenced from Saveur Magazine:

Pissaladière

SERVES 6

According to Jacques Médecin, former mayor of Nice and an authority on its cuisine, the layer of onions on a pissaladière should be half as thick as the crust.

FOR THE DOUGH:

1/4 oz. active dry yeast

Extra-virgin olive oil

3 cups flour

1 tbsp. salt

Cornmeal

FOR THE TOPPING:

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 1/2-3 lbs. onions, peeled and very thinly sliced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Bouquet garni of 2 sprigs each thyme and marjoram

and 1 sprig rosemary, tied with kitchen twine

1/3 cup niçoise olives

12 anchovy filets

1. For the dough: Dissolve yeast in 1 cup warm water in a small bowl, let stand for 5 minutes, then add 1/4 cup oil. Combine flour and salt in a medium bowl, add yeast mixture, and stir with a wooden spoon, adding a bit more water if necessary, until ingredients are well mixed. Turn out dough on a lightly floured work surface, dust hands with flour, and knead for several minutes until the dough has a smooth, firm, elastic character. Form dough into a ball, then place in a lightly oiled medium bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Allow dough to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour.

2. For the topping: Heat oil in a large pan over medium-low heat. Add onions and season generously with salt and pepper. Add bouquet garni and cover pan to let onions slowly simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover and continue cooking until the moisture has evaporated and the onions cook down to a very tender marmalade-like consistency, 30-40 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Place pizza stone in oven and preheat to 450°. Roll dough out on a floured surface into a thin, flat rectangle. Transfer dough to a baker's peel or inverted baking sheet dusted with cornmeal. Cover dough with a damp cloth and allow to rest for 30 minutes.

4. Remove cloth from dough and spread onion mixture on top. Arrange olives and anchovy filets over the onions, season lightly with pepper, then slide onto hot pizza stone. Bake until crust has browned, 15-20 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, cut into wedges and enjoy.

Ours was a big hit!

Here are the items found in thrift stores which inspired me to put together this picnic: blown glass vases, linen tablecloth, rectangular tart tin as well as the plates, silverware, basket and basket covered jug.
Total cost excluding food: $33.00

Now I want to hear about your summer parties, what are your favorite menus etc.? Write them in the comments space below.