Simple Suppers & Salty Breezes (Day 12 )

Simple suppers and memories after a giant day on the Gulf Coast

Some meals are more than just food—they’re a moment.
After a day exploring alligators, dinosaurs, and the warm waves of the Gulf, we didn’t need anything fancy. With sandy toes and sleepy smiles, we made something simple, shared on the condo balcony as the sun melted into the sea.

The Gulf Coast Snack Pack became our favorite kind of simple supper: easy, fun, and full of flavor. I mean other than cereal, this is a sure fire winner! The boys got to help—threading star-shaped watermelon onto mini skewers, rolling turkey and cheese like mini chefs, and mixing up a Goldfish snack surprise. And for Mom and Dad? A quiet clink of lemonade cups under a pink sky.

This wasn’t just supper. It was a pause. A chance to be together after a big adventure. And sometimes, those pauses are what make a trip unforgettable.

Faith Reflection

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” — Psalm 34:8

From picnic suppers to sandy sunsets, even the simplest moments carry God’s sweetness. Take time to savor them.

Yield: 2-4

Gulf Coast Snack Pack

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Inspired by Day 12 of Ethan & Oliver Adventures: The Great Alabama Road Trip—this easy beach picnic was a hit after a sun-soaked day on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. From balcony views to sandy toes, these bites were quick to make, fun to eat, and perfect for winding down together.

Ingredients

Turkey & Cheese Roll-Ups

• 6 slices deli turkey
• 6 slices cheese (cheddar, provolone, or your favorite)

Watermelon Star Skewers

• 2–3 cups seedless watermelon or cantaloupe, sliced ½-inch thick (pre-sliced)

Goldfish Snack Mix

• 1 cup Goldfish crackers
• ½ cup mini pretzels
• ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries
• Optional: mini marshmallows, sunflower seeds, or chocolate chips

Fancy Lemonade Twist

• 2 cups lemonade (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 fresh mint leaves or 2 sliced strawberries
• Ice cubes
• Fun straws or umbrella picks (optional)

Instructions

Simple Supper from the Sand to the Balcony

Turkey & Cheese Roll-Ups

• Layer turkey and cheese slices, roll tightly, and cut into pinwheels or leave whole for easy beach bites.
  

Watermelon Star Skewers

• Use a small star-shaped cookie cutter to cut watermelon or cantaloupe into fun starfish shapes.
  
• Thread onto mini skewers or serve in a chilled bowl.
  

Goldfish Snack Mix

• Mix Goldfish crackers with raisins, pretzels, or your favorite trail mix additions for a sweet + salty crunch.
  
• Serve in cupcake liners or little pails for fun.
  

Fancy Lemonade Twist

• Pour lemonade over ice and add a fresh mint leaf or a sliced strawberry for a little flair.
  
• Serve with silly straws or umbrella picks!

Notes

This laid-back meal (not the healthiest, but definitely a hit) is tied to Day 12 of Ethan & Oliver Adventures: The Great Alabama Road Trip. After exploring the Gulf Coast, spotting gators at Alligator Alley, and marveling at giants in Dinosaur Land, the family needed something easy but special. With sandy feet and sun-kissed cheeks, they shared roll-ups and lemonade on the condo balcony—proof that some of the best meals are the simplest ones.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

3

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1133Total Fat: 38gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 2355mgCarbohydrates: 181gFiber: 11gSugar: 134gProtein: 37g