Mediterranean Picnic Loaf Recipes

Steps:

• Slice a lid from the top of the loaf and set aside.
• Remove and discard the inside of the loaf, leaving a 1cm wall.
• Spread pesto over the inside of the loaf.
• Place half the sliced chicken on base, top with half spinach leaves.
• Add half tomatoes and half the olive oil-season lightly.
• Add layers of cheese, artichokes, top with remaining tomatoes.
• Next lay salami and olives on top and add remaining chicken and spinach.
• Drizzle over the rest of the olive oil and season.
• Butter the lid and replace it on the loaf.
• Wrap the loaf tightly in cling film and refrigerate over night.
• Cut into generous wedges to serve.

Steps:

• Cut loaves in half horizontally; hollow out tops and bottoms, leaving 1/2-in. shells (discard removed bread or save for another use). , Combine oil and garlic; brush inside bread shells. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Layer bottom of each loaf with a fourth of each: roast beef, mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, salami, artichokes, salad greens, chicken and onion. Repeat layers. Season with salt, pepper and remaining Italian seasoning. , Drizzle with remaining oil mixture if desired. Replace bread tops; wrap tightly and refrigerate at least 1 hour before slicing.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven. Cut off one end of the loaf. Pull out all the inside, keeping the empty loaf and cut-off end on one side, and whizz it into breadcrumbs in a liquidiser or a food processor. Heat a good blob of butter in a large frying pan and fry the crumbs until golden brown and crisp, stirring all the time.
• Chop the leeks finely. Put in a large bowl and mix with the minced beef, tomato puree, grated cheese, chopped garlic and ground coriander. season generously with salt and black pepper and mix in the crisp breadcrumbs and, lastly, the beaten egg.
• Spoon the mxture into the empty loaf crust, pressing down slighly but filling right to the brim. Replace the end of the loaf and secure by sticking a skewer through. Smear the loaf all over, especially on top with about 15 g butter, then wrap up completely in foil.
• Put the foil package in a roasting pan and cook just below the center of the oven for 1 hour. After cooking, enclose the foil package in an insulated bag to keep hot, if required.
• Take a chopping board and a sharp knife on your picnic and cut the loaf into thickish slices just before eating.

Steps:

• Combine the first 4 ingredients in a medium bowl.
• Cut the loaf in half horizontally.
• Leaving a 1-inch border, scoop out a 1/2-inch layer from the inside of each half.
• Spread the salsa mixture evenly over both halves, including border.
• On the bottom half, layer half the cheese, all of the beef, and top with remaining cheese.
• Pack filling down slightly.
• Carefully invert the top half onto the bottom half.
• Press down firmly on the loaf and wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
• Store the loaf in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes (or overnight) between 2 plates with something heavy on top to keep the loaf flattened.
• Serve sliced in wedges with your favourite salad or to serve warm, wrap in foil and place in preheated 300 degree oven for 15 to 30 minutes until cheese melts.