THE MONSTER SANDWICH

Gosh it is hot at the moment - I am not complaining however I do wish I had air conditioning or at least a fan! Pascal, Arabella and I decided to have a picnic in the park the other evening as it is near the river so at least we have a breeze. I took full advantage of this and decided to make "the monster sandwich" which we all love and is perfect for such an occasion. It is a Fay Ripley recipe and best made the day / night before.

Ingredients for 4 people (however it depends on the size of your bread - mine was 400g):

1 large, round loaf
200g pesto (fresh is best)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
100g sliced chicken
2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
200g mozzarella, sliced
75g salami or ham
handful of fresh, washed baby spinach

Cut the lid off the loaf and set aside. Gouge out the inside of the loaf, leaving a hollow shell. Put the bread inside a food processor and pulse into bread crumbs.

Split in half and mix one half with the pesto and the other half with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Now assemble in layers. Start with the pesto bread crumbs. Push each layer down really well with the back of a spoon.

Then the chicken.

Then the tomato.

Then the mozzarella.

Then the salami or ham.

Then the spinach.

Then the remaining breadcrumbs.

Then pop on the lid!

Wrap the sandwich in cling film and place a heavy book or something similar on top and leave in the fridge overnight.

When you are ready, cut into slices, serve and enjoy!

It was absolutely delicious - I do love a sandwich and I really love this as there is far more filling than bread….plus it looks spectacular - no need to mention to anyone how easy it actually is to make!!