Elevate Your Picnic with Herbal Delights

Gammon Cooked in Cider and Sage

Ingredients

• 3 lb gammon
• 2 pints cider
• 6-8 cloves, plus extra for decoration
• Bouquet garni (a bundle of parsley stems, dried thyme, and a large bay leaf)
• 1 tbsp dried sage
• 2 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions

1. Soak the Gammon: Soak the gammon overnight to reduce its saltiness.
2. Cook the Gammon: Place the gammon in a large saucepan, add the cider to cover, plus the cloves, sage, and bouquet garni. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 1 1/4 hours, turning the meat occasionally.
3. Prepare for Roasting: When the gammon is cooked, strip off the skin but leave a layer of fat. Place the joint in a roasting pan, score a diamond pattern over it, and decorate with brown sugar and more cloves.
4. Roast: Bake in a hot oven at 425ºF for 15-20 minutes until the outside is brown and crispy.

Chicken with Mango and Mint

Ingredients

• 1 large 3-4 lb roasting chicken
• Handful of fresh mint
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp mango puree
• 1 tbsp mango chutney
• 1 tbsp whipped cream
• 1 tbsp fresh mint

Instructions

1. Roast the Chicken: Place the cleaned chicken in a roasting pan and add 1-1 1/2 inch of water around the bird. Place some fresh mint in the water and in the cavity of the chicken. Roast in a hot oven at 425ºF for about one hour or until a skewer pushed into the flesh leaves a trail of clear liquid.
2. Cool and Chop: Leave to cool, then cut the flesh from the bones and chop roughly.
3. Prepare Mango Mayonnaise: Mix all the other ingredients in a food processor. Once the chicken is cool, mix it into the mango mayonnaise.
4. Garnish: Pack into a shallow dish and garnish with pieces of mango or sprigs of mint.

Tarragon Fish with Avocado

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb cod or haddock fillets
• 1 large ripe avocado
• Lemon juice
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Melted butter
• Tarragon for garnish
• 24 sheets filo pastry

Instructions

1. Prepare Fish and Avocado: Remove all the skin and bones from the fillets and cut into 12 strips. Cut the avocado into 12 wedges and sprinkle both the fish and avocado with lemon juice.
2. Wrap in Filo Pastry: Brush one sheet of filo pastry with melted butter and place a second on top. Fold them in half and butter the top, then place two strips of fish and two of avocado in the corner, sprinkle with a little tarragon, and fold the pastry over. Fold in the sides and brush with butter. Finish wrapping the parcel and place it on a greased baking sheet with the join side down.
3. Bake: Wrap the other five parcels in the same way and cook at 325ºF for 18-20 minutes.

Scotch Eggs with Sage

Ingredients

• 5 eggs
• 1 oz plain flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz pork sausagemeat
• 2 oz wholemeal breadcrumbs, toasted
• 1/2 tsp dried sage

Instructions

1. Prepare Eggs: Hard-boil four of the eggs and leave to cool in cold water. Season the flour with salt and pepper.
2. Prepare Sausagemeat: Work the dried sage into the sausagemeat, then divide into four. Using a floured board, work each piece into a circle large enough to cover an egg.
3. Wrap Eggs: Lightly dust the eggs with the seasoned flour, then place one egg in the center of each piece of sausagemeat. Mold the sausagemeat around the eggs and then pinch the edges to seal them firmly together.
4. Coat and Fry: Beat the remaining egg and use it to coat the Scotch eggs, then roll them in breadcrumbs. Deep-fry the Scotch eggs for about eight minutes until crisp and brown. Leave to cool.

Packing the Perfect Picnic Hamper

Additional Ideas

• Jars of Pickles and Jellies: Add a variety of pickles and jellies to complement the meats.
• Non-Food Herbal Ideas: Consider including a small tussie-mussie or some herbal teas.

Presentation Tips

• Beautiful Hampers: If you can't find a beautiful hamper, use a large basket or even a big cardboard box covered in attractive paper or cotton fabric. Add plenty of ribbon and large labels for a memorable presentation.

Interesting Stats

• Picnic Popularity: According to a survey by the National Recreation and Park Association, 55% of Americans enjoy picnicking as a recreational activity (NRPA).
• Herb Usage: A study by the American Botanical Council found that 75% of U.S. households use herbal products (HerbalGram).

By incorporating these herb-infused recipes and thoughtful presentation ideas, you can elevate your picnic experience to a whole new level. Enjoy the flavors and the fresh air!