Ferragosto: an Italian picnic “English style”

Packing only local products, here are some ideas to enjoy a Ferragosto Italian picnic “English style”, with horses, dog and picnic basket.

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Ferragosto is a traditional holiday in Italy, France and Spain, celebrating the Assumption of Mary.

Typically most people are on vacation, and many prepare a picnic spending the day outdoors.

Unfortunately, it is also a time of the year when it is difficult to escape the traffic and queues everywhere.

To enjoy nature at it is best; we went to visit my sister, the Vet, to her mountain cabin in the Natural Park in Sila.

We planned to take my sister and her husband’s two horses, the Jeep, their dog Lina (a pregnant schnauzer) and venture into the Natural Park.

Packing only typical Italian products, we had a Ferragosto Italian picnic “English style”, with horses, dog and picnic basket.

For this Italian picnic, I am choosing some typical Italian products.

Buy some fresh rustic bread loaf to make sandwiches, and complete the meal with some local seasonal fruits and vegetables.

For cheese and meat I bought:

• buffalo's milk Mozzarella
• dolcelatte
• Italian mozzarella
• Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
• Prosciutto Cotto
• Porchetta

For vegetables I selected:

• sundried tomatoes
• sliced artichoke hearts
• Italian chargrilled artichokes in a herb dressing
• wild rocket
• Greek mixed olives in a herb dressing

For drinks and dessert’s:

• Sanpellegrino limonata
• Italian tiramisu

I added from the local farmer’s market:

• A large loaf of local bread
• Tomatoes
• Basil
• Lemons
• Pistachios from Bronte
• Pears
• Wild Berries

While my brother in law was preparing the horse, I was busy organizing the Italian picnic.

The Italian picnic

I cut the bread into 5 sections, seasoning the bread with the juice from the tomato salad we made the night before.

It is a natural fresh summer seasoning, the mix of the sweet tomatoes juices, salt and good quality virgin olive oil.

I then prepared 5 different types of sandwich:

Sandwich number 1

• buffalo's milk Mozzarella
• Prosciutto Cotto
• tomato and basil

Sandwich number 2

• Italian mozzarella
• Prosciutto Cotto
• wild rocket
• fresh tomatoes

Sandwich number 3

• porchetta
• sun-dried tomatoes
• wild rocket
• Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

Sandwich number 4 Vegetarian:

• dolcelatte cheese
• sliced artichoke hearts
• sun-dried tomatoes
• basil, pistachios

Sandwich number 5 Vegetarian:

• Italian chargrilled artichokes in a herb dressing
• Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
• wild rocket
• lemon zest and pistachios

As an aperitif, we nibbled on

• Greek mixed olives in a herb dressing
• Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
• and sliced pear.

An old Italian riddle says: “Don’t make the farmer aware, how good is cheese with pear”

We packed our picnic and headed for our adventure.

However, as with any good English picnic, our day was interrupted by the rain!

More than rain, a heavy Mediterranean summer storm!

Luckily enough, as we arrived back home, the dog Lina started her labour and gave birth to 4 puppies.

As a special treat, my son Francesco feed her a Plateau de Fromage made of parmesan crusts.

What an exciting day!

The Calm After the Storm

More recipes from a Vet's cottage

• Easy Chanterelle Recipe With Potato
• Baked Frittata with Wild Mushrooms
• How To Make Gnocchi

Homemade liquors on the category: Liquors

For more sandwiches and picnic ideas you can check the recipes:

• Pan Bagnat
• Sausage rolls
• Beef sausage hand pies

If you are making this Italian picnic, leave your comment below I would like to hear from you. You can find more delicious ideas if you FOLLOW ME on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram or sign up to my newsletter.