Quick Bag Picnic Idea: For Two 

Burnaby Mountain Park is the perfect place for a Spring or Summer bag lunch picnic. First off I would suggest getting yourself a backpack picnic set. These cool little sets come with cutlery, wine glasses, plates, cutting board and usually a multi-tool and an insulated beverage container. Now you need a quick & easy lunch. This sandwich can   be assembled at home or if you are feeling adventurous, bring all the ingredients and create your lunch in the park. Ciabatta is an Italian bread named so because of its slipper shape. Its crisp crust and soft porous texture make it the perfect picnic sandwich bread. It travels well and will not turn soggy after an hour in your pack.This sandwich does not need butter or mayo, the olive oil in the sundried tomatoes and pesto along with the artichoke hearts provide plenty of moisture. 

Recipe: Prosciutto & Mozzarella Ciabatta with Basil Pesto & Sun Dried Tomatoes 

1 small loaf ciabatta                       
basil pesto                       
fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced ¼ inch thick                       
Parma prosciutto, sliced very thin                       
Hot capicolli, sliced very thin (optional)                       
Sundried tomatoes, packed in olive oil                       
Artichoke hearts, quartered                       
Spinach leaves, no stems                       
Fresh ground black pepper 

Slice the ciabatta lengthwise like you would a hamburger bun. Mix up the pesto well and spread on both pieces of bread. Now place your cheese, meats and vegetables evenly along the bread. If the sundried tomatoes you are using are packed in olive oil be sure to dab them with a paper napkin or shake them off a bit before putting them into the sandwich. Season with pepper, close up the two halves and slice across the middle. Wrap tight in plastic wrap or store in a Ziploc baggy.  Don’t forget to pack some sparkling water, Okanagan cherries or grapes and of course a Frisbee. That is my recipe for a great day in beautiful Burnaby Mountain Park. 

John Garrett
Executive Chef
Horizons on Burnaby Mountain