Picnic Sandwich Breads
Who doesn’t love a picnic? Where finger food is welcomed, manners are relaxed, and laughter is the most common background music. Whether it’s a family outing, or a survival tactic for a harried mom with kids on school holidays; the ability to enjoy the fresh air with friends and family, and share a simple meal while making great memories, is the best kind of fun.
Dating back as far as Renaissance times with large outdoor gatherings for hunting parties, traditional picnics have endured through the centuries as informal get-togethers of nearest and dearest. In the last century, a 1900’s guide for picnic planning included this gem of advice; “If the party is to drive or ride, let not the distance be too great. There should be a stream or spring of pure water, materials for a fire, shade intermingled with sunshine, and a reasonable freedom from tormenting insect life.” Still good advice today!
Nowadays, in spite of a virtually endless catalogue of new and complex menu options, the lowly sandwich remains the age-old picnic basket essential. Easy to put together and even easier to eat, sandwiches are the ultimate grab-and-go food. Convenient to make even in large quantities, they are a great way to use up fridge leftovers or fresh produce.
But let’s be honest here; eating the same old cheese sandwiches on white bread just isn’t all that appealing! It’s time to replace those ever-present dull traditionals with up to the minute, exciting inspirations. A few simple changes can take those picnic basket stalwarts to entirely new heights.
The bread used for a sandwich sets the scene, so why settle for sliced white bread? To save the soggy situation that the slightest hint of mayonnaise can cause, reach instead for a crusty, fresh loaf of ciabatta or sourdough. Alternatively, grain breads, rye and other brown varieties are not only a healthier choice, but they have a denser consistency which can prevent the sandwich turning mushy.
Kick up the flavour aspect, by using a spicy spread instead of dreary mayonnaise. Try a seasoned hummus, or tasty herbed butter. Opt for a variation on your customary cheese; use up that leftover brie, or piquant bleu cheese.
As extra insurance against soggy bread, take the precaution of not allowing juicy ingredients such as tomatoes or pickles to touch the bread. Create a barrier by placing cheese or greens directly onto the spread. And speaking of greens, now would be a good opportunity to trade in the humdrum lettuce for baby spinach, a handful of arugula leaves, or a few sprouts. Even a spoonful of homemade coleslaw gives a welcome crunch. Don’t forget to add a twist of the pepper grinder, and a sprinkle of fresh sea salt.
To keep the mayhem of preparation to a minimum, be adventurous and prep a sandwich loaf the day before. A Layered Picnic Loaf https://elgustoglobal.com/recipe/layered-picnic-loaf/, made ahead and tightly wrapped, allows its amazing flavours to blend together. With the soft bread scooped out, the sturdy crust holds all those delicious layers together, ready for slicing and wrapping on the day of the picnic.
Perhaps the biggest joy of the picnic sandwich is that they are endlessly customisable. It is quick and easy to insert a pickle for your pickle lover or leave off the cheese for someone dairy intolerant. Want to make last minute additions? Pour sauces into small containers to add just before eating.
When packing the picnic basket for a day out, remember that sandwiches are best added last, to avoid the misfortune of being sandwiched between heavier items. No one wants to be presented with a sandwich that has been flattened beyond recognition!
Whether you’re planning for a picnic in the park, a day at the beach, or simply a blanket spread in the backyard, a few upgrades to your usual handheld staple can make the best of family memories; mouth-watering picnic sandwiches for when the next sunny day hits.
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