Portable food that tastes just as good at the second stop as it did leaving the kitchen. Two picnic essentials, and the rest of the basket.
Irish Cheddar, Ham & Mustard Picnic Loaf
A stuffed loaf that travels brilliantly, slices neatly and contains an entire picnic lunch in one handsome package.
Serves 8 · Prep 20 mins + pressing
Method
- Slice the top off a round sourdough loaf and pull out most of the crumb, leaving a shell.
- Spread inside with mustard mayonnaise. Layer in ham, cheddar, roasted peppers and rocket.
- Replace the lid, wrap tightly and weight it down. Chill for at least 3 hours.
- Unwrap and cut into wedges at the picnic.
What to pour: Dry cider, pale ale or Sauvignon Blanc.
Apple & Blackberry Hand Pies
Portable little pies filled with tart apple and blackberry — essentially an Irish autumn walk in pastry form.
Serves 10 · Prep 30 mins · Cook 25 mins
Method
- Mix diced apple, blackberries, brown sugar, cinnamon and cornflour.
- Cut pastry circles, fill half with the mixture, top with the rest and crimp with a fork.
- Cut a steam hole, brush with egg, sprinkle with demerara sugar.
- Bake at 190°C fan for 22–25 minutes until crisp and golden.
