picnic time

With a long weekend rapidly approaching, an ok weather forecast, and the need for some uplifting times, Arthouse Wine are getting the picnic basket ready so whether it's the local park, sitting by the window box, out on the patio or at the beach, eating outdoors and washing it down with a glass of wine or beer makes it summer. And sometimes the simple things can help you enjoy the moment and forget the sadness.
Make it the night before for extra flavour!
 
Stuffed Ciabatta Loaf  
 
1 Ciabatta long loaf
1 mozzarella thinly sliced and drained on kitchen towel of excess milk.
Tin/jar of Tuna
2/3 beef tomatoes thinly sliced
Extra virgin olive oil or basil flavoured oil
Bunch of basil leaves or rocket.
 
Place the loaf on a flat plate or bread board. Slice the ciabatta in half and pull out the ‘fleshy’ bread both top and bottom (save the breadcrumbs – cook them in a tiny amount of oil and a smattering of parmiggiano and when they're crispy you can add them to fried eggs, asparagus, pappardelle, scrambled eggs...the list is endless!) Drizzle a tiny amount of oil over the bottom half of the ciabatta, drain and spread the tuna, top with the mozzarella and tomatoes, salt, pepper and basil leaves or rocket. Drizzle some oil inside the top half of the ciabatta and place it on the filled half. Cover the top with clingfilm, weight it with a plate or breadboard and put in the fridge to chill, preferably overnight. In the morning take off the weight, keeping the clingfilm in place and turn it over, slice into approx 8-10 cms (3 inches) - any smaller and it will fall apart. 
 
AHW serving tip, don't forget the kitchen roll and napkins!
 
Now, what to drink with your picnic loaf?
 
How about a beautifully crisp Falanghina from the Campania region in Southern Italy. Brimming with minerality, bright citrus fruits and a long refreshing acidity, this will sit nicely alongside all the ingredients used in the ciabatta, slicing through unctuous oils and the mozzarella texture. And if you're looking for something slightly more adventurous then look no further than our Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo, a famous rosé made from Montepulciano grapes from the Adriatic coast of Abruzzo. This deeply colourful rosato is one of the heartiest to be found in Italy, with hints of strawberry, dried cherry and orange peel. Rosé is perfect, as we know, for our summertime aperitifs but the versatility of a rosé with food is often overlooked. No longer. Salutè
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