Packed Lunch Inspiration

So what’s inspiring me to write about packed lunches (again)? There are three reasons:

Firstly, ‘Ummera’s’ recent success in the U.K. (Three Star Gold in The Great Taste Awards) has reminded me that I had tucked away a sandwich menu from ‘Urru Culinary Store’ in Bandon, Co. Cork which reads like a 5 star menu (on Arbutus Breads);
-Pate with Sunblushed Tomatoes and Sweet Pepper Relish
-Parma Ham and Emmental Cheese with Mango Vinaigrette and Wholegrain Mustard
-Kassler Pork and Mature Cheddar with Apple Chutney and Crushed Walnuts
-Ummera’s Smoked Chicken and Gherkins with Mayonnaise and Pink Peppercorns
-West Cork Salamis and Cashel Blue with Black Olive Paste and Sunblushed Tomatoes.
..and that’s not all of them.
Now, I’m not for a minute suggesting that these are ever going to feature in a school lunch box but wouldn’t they be fabulous on a romantic picnic (dream on Sheila..) or for your own high tea in lieu of a dinner party.  Okay, so these are at the fantasy end of the sandwich-making realm but still inspirational.  Chutney and Sunblushed Tomatoes for example, are in-reach ingredients that will take a regular sandwich up a notch or two.

Secondly, a nod to ‘Moda Cafe’ in Mallow.  Located over ‘Moda Boutique’ on the mainstreet in Mallow this place is a cosy find for me.  I literally ran in and grabbed a takeaway coffee a couple of weeks ago and my mouth watered at the selection of sandwiches and pastries on display.  I don’t have a menu to reference but I know I have mentally filed away a Brie, Red Onion and Cranberry Panini to try out at home on one of the more wintry lunchtimes that lie ahead.

Thirdly, ‘O’Donnells Tipperary Crisps’.  I couldn’t resist a packet of ‘Mount Callan Cheese & Red Onion’ last Saturday morning after rugby training (..spectating is hard work).  I’m a sucker for simple, nostalgic packaging and these reeled me in.  For days when you’re in a hurry stick these in between two slices of grainy bread and enjoy with a large mug of tea. http://www.odonnellscrisps.com/

The sandwiches, wraps etc. pictured here are all combos from my ‘School Lunches – The Definitive Guide’ which you can download for free by clicking on the link at the bottom of the ‘School Lunches Page’.  Woman’s Way magazine (Ireland’s TOP woman’s weekly!) have very kindly listed gimmetherecipe as ‘Website of The Week’ and list some of my lunch box tips in their current edition.  (Thank you Una Rice.)  Believe it or not, I’m actually following my own advice and am surprised with the success of the kids making their own school lunch once a week.  Thursday is my day off and their enthusiasm has lasted so far anyway!
Til next time, Sheila.
p.s. One Pot Dinner recipe will be posted on Thursday.