Did you know....
Each year, the Northern Territory celebrates National Picnic Day on the first Monday of August, this year landing on 4th August.
What started back in the 1800's as a day for railway workers to celebrate the completion of the Alice Springs leg of the Adelaide to Darwin Railway, has become a tradition that is not only celebrated by those in the NT, but enjoyed by many throguhout all the other Aussie states.
Here at Sólsse The Label, we personally think that this should be a formally recognised nation-wide celebration, because who doesn’t love a day dedicated to being outdoors and enjoying good food and the company of friends, am I right? And whilst the rest of Australia doesn’t currently get to enjoy this day off from work, there is nothing stopping us from getting into the spirit of things on our lunch breaks, or after work for a late afternoon or evening outdoor get-together.
And with such a strong focus on food, and the somewhat-cooler weather still amongst us, we thought we’d take the opportunity to list some of our favourite winter-warming sandwich ideas, perfect to pack for a picnic day out in August.
01. Elevated Grilled Cheese
Take your classic grilled cheese up a notch with the addition of fresh mozzarella, sprinkled with thinly sliced fresh basil, and loaded with seasoning (to taste). The real secret to taking this grilled cheese up an extra notch, is by dipping both outer sides of the sandwich is a mixture of eggs, cream, and seasonings, before either frying it in a pan with butter, or pressing it into a griddled sandwich press. These are best served warm, so wrap them first in baking paper, followed by another layer of alfoil, and take them with you for a cheese sandwich that everyone will love.
02. The Perfect Italiano
This pressed picnic sandwich makes for the perfect portable meal. Think thick sliced Ciabatta or Turkish loaf, rubbing the bread with garlic before smothering with all your favourite Italian condiments. Spread the base of the sandwich with black olive tapenade, crumbled goats cheese and top with spicy rocket, before layering cured meats, grilled peppers, marinated artichokes, and a sprinkle with herbs to finish. Close it up, place it into the press for a light toasting, and wrap in baking paper... ready to enjoy.
03. Philly Cheese Steak
The famous Philly Cheese Steak has so many interpretations, but since Cairns FNQ is about as far as you can get from Philly, this is our 'down under' version (and we think it's pretty great!). The key to a great Philly Cheese is making sure you use really good quality ingredients. Rib Eye is my meat recommendation, as it has great marbling and is super tender. Grill sliced onions and red capsicum in a pan until softened, and then add super thin slices of your steak to the pan, cooking briefly to seal, before adding the provolone cheese to melt into the steak and onion. Mix all that goodness together in the pan and then heap it into your roll of choice. You're welcome!
HAPPY PICNIC-ING EVERYONE!!
Jess x