The Essential Picnic Guide with All the Best Portable Food and Drink Ideas

Focaccia Sandwich

Add a taste of Italy to your outdoor feast with a fun twist on a picnic must-have! The unique taste and texture of focaccia bread compliments fillings reminiscent of a European summer, creating a holiday for your taste buds.

Ingredients

• Focaccia bread
• Pesto sauce
• Deli turkey
• Italian dry salami
• Mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves

Method

1. Slice the focaccia lengthways and then horizontally to assemble the sandwich open-faced.
2. Spread the pesto sauce on both sides of the loaf.
3. Layer the sliced mozzarella cheese on the bottom half of the loaf.
4. Next, layer on the turkey and salami.
5. Add the sliced tomatoes and fresh basil leaves.
6. Carefully close the sandwich and slice it into smaller pieces to enjoy!

Recipe inspired by The Recipe Critic

Homemade Elderflower Cordial

Nothing tastes better than a refreshing drink on a hot summer’s day. Make your own homemade elderflower cordial: sweet and fresh with notes of citrus. You can store this delightful drink in any glassware you might have around the house – the perfect seasonal beverage, and super versatile for picnics at this time of year!

Ingredients:

• 15 heads of elderflower
• 500g caster sugar
• 4 tablespoons quality runny honey
• 2 unwaxed lemons
• Super Cubes

Method

1. Wash the elderflower well.
2. Place the sugar and honey in a large saucepan with one litre of water. Gently bring to the boil, until all the sugar has dissolved, then remove from the heat.
3. Finely grate in the lemon zest and add the elderflower upside down, making sure the flowers are completely submerged.
4. Squeeze in the juice from one of the lemons, then slice the other and add it to the pan, too. Pop the lid on and leave to one side to infuse for 24 hours.
5. When you’re ready to strain your cordial, line a fine sieve with muslin over a large bowl (if you don’t have muslin, you can use good quality kitchen towel) and pour through the cordial.
6. Store in sterilised bottles or jars and drink diluted with water, soda or prosecco.
7. Before setting off for your picnic, add a few slow melting Super Cubes to the drink to keep it nice and cool on hot summer days.

Recipe inspired by Jamie Oliver

Brownies

For those with a sweet tooth, brownies are the answer. Perfectly portable and ideal for sharing, you can pair these with fresh fruit to create a real summer delicacy.

Ingredients

• 200g / 14 tbsp unsalted butter
• 200 g / 1 1/4 cups dark chocolate chips
• 1 cup (175g) brown sugar
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (75g) plain flour
• 1/4 cup (30g) cocoa powder
• Pinch of salt
• 180g dark chocolate (optional)

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan forced).
2. Spray a 20cm/8″ square tin with oil and line with baking/parchment paper with overhang.
3. Place butter and chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl, microwave in 30 second bursts until melted.
4. Add sugar and vanilla, mix, then add eggs and mix well until smooth.
5. Incorporate flour, cocoa and salt and stir until smooth. Stir in chopped chocolate, pour into pan.
6. Bake 24-32 minutes depending on how gooey you want your brownies.
7. Rest for 10 minutes before lifting out of the pan. Allow to cool for at least 20 minutes before cutting.
8. Pair with strawberries for an added taste of summer!