Stuffed Picnic Loaf

Today’s recipe for Stuffed Picnic Loaf comes just in time for National Picnic Week here in the UK, and tastes as good as it looks.

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For National Picnic Week

Today’s recipe for Stuffed Picnic Loaf comes just in time for National Picnic Week here in the UK.

Who doesn’t love a picnic – just the word conjures up dreamy days out, enjoying nature and the outdoor element of eating “sur l’herbe”.

Yes, the weather may be inclement, but as long as it doesn’t rain, and if it does you can take shelter, but there’s a elemental feeling about eating outdoors.

My recipe for Stuffed Picnic Loaf was created in collaboration with my favourite conserve company, Bonne Maman.

However, they don’t just do delicious jams, marmalades and curd. They also offer some fabulous bakes and tartes, as well as creamy yoghurt, fruit mousse and chutney too.

Their new chutneys are SUBLIME! I have tried both of them, and all the family have loved their complex fruity and spiced flavours.

Today’s recipe for Stuffed Picnic Loaf was made with Onion with Sichuan Pepper Chutney.

Sweet grilled onions blended with the lemony, tangy heat of Sichuan peppercorns, and the sweet tangy flavour cuts through the richness of grilled meats, barbecued burgers as well as being the perfect companion for cheese and ham in sandwiches.

Or, why not pack a pot in the picnic basket to enjoy with wedges of pork pie or spread on sourdough sandwiches with sliced ripe tomatoes and avocado.

It certainly adds a wonderful piquancy to this picnic loaf, which enhances the smoked ham, vintage Cheddar cheese, juicy tomatoes and red onions.

The second chutney that Bonne Maman have just released, is Violet Fig with Shallot Chutney.

This delightful chutney is dark, sticky and rich with the fragrant flavour of ripe, plump figs and light acidity of savoury shallots, perfect to partner salty blue cheeses such as Stilton, Roquefort or St Agur.

Plus, if you’re a fan of hot baked Camembert, add a generous dollop of this sticky sweet-sour chutney into the centre and enjoy with warm ficelle and walnuts.

Or why not take the simple bacon butty to a new level with a generous smear of this fruity chutney. (Both chutneys are exclusively available at Waitrose stores)

The recipe for Stuffed Picnic Loaf is shared at the end of this post, as well as a list of fabulous recipes you can make with all the Bonne Maman range.

Enjoy National Picnic Week, and don’t forget, if it’s raining, then why not have a picnic in your kitchen or even the garden shed! Karen

Step-by-Step Method to make Stuffed Picnic Loaf

• Cut the top of the loaf off, and scoop most of the crumb out, to make a hollow. Keep the breadcrumbs for later, I usually freeze them.
• Spread the inside with the Bonne Maman Onion with Sichuan Pepper chutney – going right up the inside edges.

• Lay 4 slices of the ham over the chutney.

• Then add 8 slices of the cheese over the ham, before adding a layer of tomatoes, saving 1 tomato for later.

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• Arrange the red onions over the sliced tomatoes and season to taste with sea salt.

• Add the remaining sliced tomato in a layer over the red onions.
• Add the remaining cheese and then the remaining 4 slices of ham.
• Finally, spoon some more of the Bonne Maman Onion with Sichuan Pepper chutney over the final ham layer, and replace the lid of the bread on top.

• Wrap tightly in cling-film and then in the greaseproof paper, tied in string.
• Place some heavy weights on top of the sandwich and keep it in a cool place, such as the fridge, for up to 6 hours or until you need to serve it. Take the weights off the sandwich and unwrap the sandwich, then slice it to serve in wedges, or in thick slices.

New Bonne Maman Chutney Serving Ideas

Notes and Substitutions

• For a picnic, pre-cut the loaf into wedges, or thick slices, and then put all all back together again, before wrapping in cling fill and then paper that has been tied with string.
• Omit the ham for a vegetarian version.
• And, omit the cheese and ham for a vegan version – adding extra veggies, such as marinated roast peppers (drained), cucumber, gherkins, olives or cooked courgettes.

Recipe for Stuffed Picnic Loaf