'Here come's the Sun...' | Packing The Perfect Italian Picnic
Italian Muffuletta
This delicious & hearty sandwich hails from New Orleans.
As the savory olive salad soaks into the bread, it just gets better.
Freshly Pickled Vegetables
We suggest a vibrant assortment; asparagus spears, tri-colored carrots & golden beets
marinated with star anise, turbinado sugar & apple cider vinegar.
Homemade Kettle Chips
Paper thin slices of russet potatoes are crisped up then seasoned with salt & dill.
Limoncello Bars
The perfect ending to your Italian picnic are these delightful bars with
pitch perfect lemon flavor.
Limoncello
Served ice cold in a petite glass.
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“Expressly off the beaten path just to the edge of nowhere…”
You will need to begin this menu the day before:
The muffuletta will be prepared the day before as it needs to be pressed & chilled overnight to allow the full flavor to develop.
The pickled vegetable medley requires an overnight marinate to become properly acquainted.
Soaking the potato slices in an ice bath overnight ensures for crisp kettle chips.
Italian Muffuletta
serves 4 generously
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp. shallot, minced
1/3 cup green pimento stuffed olives, chopped (or Kalamata)
1/3 cup black olives, chopped
1/4 cup celery finely chopped (use the very center of the celery heart with some leaves)
1/4 cup pepperoncini, finely chopped
1/4 cup artichoke hearts, finely chopped
1/4 cup Italian dressing
1 loaf of rustic bread (a round of sourdough or a Ciabatta)
8 oz. Mortadella
3 oz. dry Coppa/Capocollo (you may substitute prosciutto or ham)
6 oz. provolone
6 oz. Soppressata (you may substitute dry salami)
6 oz. mozzarella
6 oz. Genoa salami
1.) Mix first 8 ingredients in a small bowl (rather than chop by hand, you may gently pulse the mixture using a food processor). Cut loaf of bread in half horizontally. Begin layering; on bottom half spread half of the olive salad followed by Mortadella, then the Coppa, the provolone, Soppressata, then mozzarella. On cut side of top half of loaf, spread the remaining olive salad and finish with Genoa. Invert top of loaf onto the bottom layer. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, place in the fridge & set an iron skillet on top of sandwich to compress all of the layers. Refrigerate over night. When you are ready to serve, simply cut sandwich into equal portions.
Tip: To save time you can purchase the Lemon Bars & Potato Chips or click on the links below for recipes.
Herbed Potato Chips
Freshly Pickled Vegetables
Limoncello Bars
Nothing is quit as nostalgic as a wicker picnic basket. If you’re going for a romantic feel with a bit of whimsy here are our recommendations. They also make for a lovely wedding or anniversary gift.
This is the one we have that was used for the images above (Wicker Picnic Basket). It is spacious & well constructed. It is however a bit bulky.
Love the style & the compact feel to this Barrel Style Wicker Basket. Perfect for a day trip to a vineyard.
“Hey there little red riding hood…You sure are looking good. You’re everything a big bad wolf could want…Aoooooooooh…” Red Riding Hood Picnic Basket.
“Kick off your shoes, lay back & watch the clouds drift by. Read a bit of poetry. Leisurely sip Limoncello. Sometimes we have to disconnect to reconnect.”
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