If you thought the hot weather was well and truly over then you may be mistaken. This September has seen some of highest autumn temperatures ever recorded in the UK. Guernsey for example recently baked in a staggering 30 degrees Celsius, the highest on record. It looks likely that warm winds now drifting across southern Europe will change direction and treat us here in the UK to a late hot spell, or ‘Indian Summer’ as we like to call it.
Despite the children being back at school, while the weather spoils us, outdoor activity peaks again. Car boot sales rocket, local festivals flourish, weddings move outdoors, and beach trips also soar. Surprisingly September and October account for some of the warmest water temperatures in our seas!
Picnics are a fine British pastime, and the perfect complement to any late season outdoor jaunt you might be planning. Now, what could be more British for your picnic than the simple but mighty sandwich?
Despite all the current breadless diet fads, a well-constructed sandwich is an old classic and a consistent crowdpleaser, and often something that you just can’t go wrong with. Common knowledge has it that the creation of the Great British sandwich originated from John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich. The legend has it that Earl John, being a keen gambler, ordered a quick and easy meal that would not interfere or distract from his epic 24 hour gambling session. The inventive (and unknown) cook smartly presented the Earl with some sliced meat neatly placed between two pieces of browned toast. This enabled John Montagu to play his game with one hand and to eat with the other! And who would have thought that a simple sandwich could have such an interesting back-story.
Thus the legend of the ‘sandwich’ was born and the meal in its various forms has never since been far from our plates.
Today we see any number of sandwich options; supermarket meal deals, wraps, flatbreads, gluten free breads, ciabattas, paninis, white, brown, granary, fluffy, crusty, bagels and so on. All of which are equally delicious when prepared in the right way and with the right ingredients.
We believe that the sandwich is often at its best when it’s simple and effective, just as Earl John would have decreed!
Should you decide on enjoying the sunny great outdoors this autumn then might we recommend a simple yet perfectly charming sandwich recipe?
Sometimes there’s nothing better than a good, hearty turkey sandwich:
Good thick slices of white baked bread, stuffed with cheese, turkey and cranberry and all grilled to a melted mess of perfection.
A no frills and no fuss meal that hits the spot every time.
Ingredients
2 slices of thick white, bakery bread
4 slices of brie
A handful of pre-cooked turkey meat
Cranberry sauce
Butter
Method
- Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place one of your slices, butter side down, onto a griddle pan.
- Lay two pieces of brie onto your bread and top with turkey (as much as you can balance on!) and top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce. Place your remaining slice of bread on top with the buttered side up.
- Cook for approx. 4 minutes, or until your cheese has begun to melt. At this point, carefully flip your sandwich over, reduce the heat to medium and cook for a few more minutes until your chees is molten and your bread golden.
- Remove your sandwich from the pan, slice in half and enjoy!
A simple, no-thrills and no-regrets turkey sandwich, perfect for the lovely summer outdoor picnic and great for the whole family to enjoy on a day out.