KEY POINTS:
Well actually, while I am writing this the rain is falling and the wind is whipping around the fledgling tomato plants but sunny days have to arrive soon and when they do you'll be ready with these scrummy recipes.
Eating outside is all the better for being relaxing and casual so the food today works for a picnic in the park or at the beach or even just lying about on the grass in the backyard.
Pan bagna is a clever idea, where you pull the stuffing out of a loaf of bread and cram as many delicious fillings into the cavity left behind. Put the lid back on, wrap it up, weigh it down, then eat. All contained, it is the ideal transportable food.
A picnic isn't a picnic without potato salad in my book, perfect made with new season spuds and beautiful organic smoked garlic from Matakana.
Crispy bacon and fresh chervil go down well as do capers and gherkins. Homemade aioli is good, and some swear by a certain commercial mayo, but Greek yoghurt is a healthier option, or go half and half and use plenty of mustard and lemon. A dainty cupcake with a swirl of creamy icing and a smattering of blueberries finishes things off nicely.
Chef's tip
Use the crustiest bread you can find - sourdough and ciabatta work well, you need a thick crust to contain the juices and avoid a soggy sammie.
Use a variety of fillings, such as greens, tuna, pitted olives, different herbs and cheeses.