National Picnic Week takes place this June across the UK, so grab your blankets and baskets out of the cupboards and get out to the great outdoors for a good old fashioned picnic.
National Picnic Week aims to encourage people to take the ideal opportunity to get together over a picnic with advice, tips, recipes and information to make sure you have everything from the food and drink to the location or surroundings.
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Picnicking is one of the UK’s most enjoyable summer traditions, and is a great way of taking advantage of any open spaces in your local area over the warmer months of the year.
For National Picnic Week, there will be opportunities to win prizes and competitions.
Since National Picnic Week was founded a decade ago, it has grown significantly and become a staple date in the media calendar. Timed at the peak of picnicking season, broadcasters, radio and television channels are keen to get involved.
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With the likes of ITV’s Lorraine, national newspapers and both BBC and commercial radio stations covering the week in the past, it is a great platform to promote your brand.
Head over to National Picnic Week website for more details.
Some ideas for your sandwich fillings below…
BRIE, BACON AND CRANBERRY SAUCE...
Brie, bacon and cranberry is a coffee shop fixture that you may have tried before, although those unfamiliar may dubious to try it. The creaminess of the brie, the saltiness of the bacon and the sharpness of the cranberry may seem like an odd match, but together the flavours and textures in this filling all work wonders. This sandwich is best served toasted as it causes the brie to melt. For a more festive take, you can even swap out the bacon for roast turkey.
PRAWNS, AVOCADO AND CHILLI JAM...
Prawns and chilli jam is a classic Thai pairing that can also be turned into a tasty sandwich filling. Adding avocado to the mix can help to offset the spiciness and make it altogether more wholesome. You can buy fresh shellfish and add a pinch of pepper to turn this into a gourmet sandwich. Try mixing the prawns and chilli jam beforehand so that the flavours all mix.
HAM AND PINEAPPLE…
If you’re a fan of Hawaiian pizza, why not try this topping in sandwich form? Grilled ham is the best option to use with pineapple, although you can also use bacon or roast pork. You can even put swiss cheese in the sandwich and grill it to help meld the flavours.
SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE…
Got some leftover spag bol? This could make a scrumptious sandwich filling for the next day’s lunch. You can also use leftover lasagne, ravioli or any other mince-based meal. Serve this with a thick bread or baguette that won’t get too soggy from the bolognese sauce.
AVOCADO, MOZZARELLA AND TOMATO…
This trio of flavours is popular in Italy, with ingredient reflecting a colour in the Italian flag. Whilst it’s tasty enough on its own, you can also put it with some flatbread for a tasty sandwich. For add zing, you can also add some balsamic vinegar.
CHORIZO, EGG AND SALSA...
Known as Choripan, this spicy combination hails from Argentina. It often just consists of chorizo sausage and chimichurri salsa, but many people also like to throw an egg in there to give it that added dimension. This filling is great for when you’re fancying something fiery.
PEANUT BUTTER, CELERY AND RAISIN…
If you’re vegan or looking for a healthy but wholesome option, this unusual sandwich could be just what you need. It may sound like a monstrosity on the surface, but actually, the flavours harmonise well. The peanut butter and celery gives it a creaminess but also a crunch, whilst the raisins add a subtle sweetness.
MARMITE-GLAZED STEAK SANDWICH…
Rump steak, brushed in Marmite and layered with chutney, rocket and dolcelatte, makes for a seriously indulgent savoury lunchtime treat.
MOZZARELLA & SALAMI PICNIC BAGUETTE…
A perfect sandwich for a summer picnic. Filled with salami, spinach, basil, pesto and mozzarella.
PHILLY CHEESECAKE
Pile steak, onion, peppers, cheese, ketchup and mustard into rolls to make these American-style Philly cheesesteaks.
Source: Good Food, Olive Magazine, National Picnic Week
