HAVING banished Turkey Twizzlers from school dinners, Jamie Oliver is on a new mission – to perk up our picnics.
The chef, 42, tells LYNSEY HOPE his top tips for freshening up your al fresco feasts.
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A meal outdoors with a mixture of retro treats and showstopping puddings is a great chance to bring the whole family togetherCredit: Getty – Contributor
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s picnic week promo
Pack a jam jar
Fill it with salad dressing such as balsamic, olive oil, sea salt and pepper.
Jamie explains: “Make and shake your salad in a jam jar.
“It’s simple, portable and it helps you keep your leaves and veggies nice and crisp until you dress them at the last minute, just before serving.”
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Make your salad in a jam jar and add dressing at the last minute, says top chef Jamie OliverCredit: AFP or licensorsDon’t forget the Scotch eggs
“Take some inspiration from the picnic classics, such as Scotch eggs, sausage rolls, pasties or mini pork pies,” says Jamie – who reckons it’s easy to make your own.
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Scotch eggs, sausage rolls, pasties or mini pork pies will be favourites with the whole family, says JamieCredit: Cultura RF – Getty
He adds: “As well as setting a bit of a fun, retro tone, these tasty treats are all easy to hold and eat without a plate – it’s a win-win.”
Please with a pud
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Make a show-stopping pudding like meringues in advance – paired with fruit they’ll be deliciousCredit: ©2014 Jamie Oliver Enterprises Limited; David Loftus
“Make-ahead puds are a good extra touch,” says Jamie.
“Meringues are a really lovely, easy option.
“You can make them in advance, and they’re really delicious when paired with fresh fruit so it’s a good way of getting in an extra one of your five-a-day.
Take a selection of the season’s best fruit, a tub of cooling yoghurt, and let everyone build their own sweet treat. Smush it up in a plastic cup to serve.”
Fruity water
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Half fill a reusable bottle with fresh fruit – slices of citrus or crushed berries work well – then top with water and freeze overnightCredit: © 2014 Jamie Oliver Enterprises Ltd. Photographer: Joe Sarah
Home-made flavoured water can add an extra, colourful touch.
Jamie says: “Half fill a reusable bottle with fresh fruit – slices of citrus or crushed berries work well – then top with water and freeze overnight.
“Hey presto, it will melt into a delicious drink that keeps your food cool while you’re travelling.”
You can also pack ice cubes in a thermos flask to keep drinks cool.
Make a showstopper
Are you out to impress?
Then follow Jamie’s advice: “A picnic pie or a veggie tart really looks the business.
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A veggie tart looks the business and will be easy to eat once it’s cut up into slices at your picnicCredit: © Kate Whitaker
“You can make it in advance, ready to slice up when you need it.
“I like to keep things simple by choosing a veg, slow-cooking it with some herbs or spices, and pairing it with a complementary cheese.
“It’s too good.”
Bake bread
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Use your loaf and make your own bread, says Jamie
Leave the packet sandwiches at home – and the packet bread.
Jamie says: “Raise your sandwich game and make your own loaf.
“It’s a little bit of effort but it is worth it.
“It’s sure to go down a storm.”
Think Italian
Jamie advises: “Mix it up Italian style and go for an antipasti selection of cured meats.
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Go Italian and pack some cured meats – they will make delicious antipasti at your picnicCredit: Altrendo – Getty
“Add some roasted veg, olives, maybe a beautiful buffalo mozzarella.
“You can lay everything out and let people make their own sandwiches and platters.”
That’s a picnic… but that’s no teddy bear!Utensils
And finally, says Jamie: “Don’t forget the bottle opener.
Also, enamel plates are light and unbreakable, much more practical than paper ones.”
And always take kitchen towel and bin bags – picnics can get messy.
The brand-new summer menu at restaurant chain Jamie’s Italian launched last week.
Creative food blogger Grace Hall has created five picnic recipes for DisneyLife