What a summer it’s been! The good news is that there’s still plenty of it left, so what better way to enjoy the sunshine than to kick back and enjoy a traditional British picnic.

And, if you’re reading our blog then the chances are that cheese sandwiches and pork pies aren’t going to cut it.

We’ve pulled together a few menu ideas (and a delicious, healthy salmon recipe) to get you on your way and help ensure that your picnic will be the one that stands out.

First thing’s first…

Before we cover food, have you got the right kit? Ditch the plastic bag and try and go for that ‘deli-in-a-basket’ look using a traditional wicker hamper. Also, a picnic isn’t a picnic without a tartan blanket – and make sure it’s large. There’s nothing worse than having to sit on damp, cold grass.

The food

Falafel Scotch Eggs
We came across this great little recipe combining eggs with spiced, herbed chickpeas on the BBC Good Food website and absolutely love it! And it’s perfect for vegetarians, too.

Roquefort and Potato Scones with Sage
Where would we be without Delia? This recipe proves that she can still provide an interesting take on traditional food.

Squash Blossom Focaccia
A picnic wouldn’t be a picnic without bread. But rather than take the usual French stick why not try this delicious focaccia recipe.

Italian meat platter
You can’t go wrong with a selection of cured meats. Make sure you have a good choice such as Prosciutto, Salami, Bresaola, Parma and Serrano ham.

Now, on to the star of any picnic – smoked salmon. Try this easy to prepare yet wonderful recipe using our Kiln Roasted Salmon and add that special something to your outdoor dining experience.

Kiln Roasted Salmon Loaf

Ingredients

• 2 x 160g packs of John Ross Jr’s Kiln Roasted Smoked Salmon
• 140g crème fraiche
• 1 x lemon (zest and the juice)
• Handful of finely chopped fresh dill
• 2 x large rustic loafs of bread
• 1 x large tablespoon of capers
• 1 x whole cucumber (thinly sliced)
• 100g gherkins (thinly sliced)
• 100g rocket or watercress
• 2 x tablespoons wholegrain mustard

Method

Mix the crème fraiche, lemon zest, mustard and dill into a bowl.

Cut the loaves lengthways, as it making two large sandwiches, and spread the bread with a generous helping of the mixture.

In a bowl, toss the kin roasted smoked salmon, the lemon juice and capers before adding them on to the loaves.

Add the greenery before wrapping in parchment paper (or foil) ensuring that the sandwich is made nice and compact in advance of being served.