Ultimate Ploughman's Lunch Board
A Taste of the English Countryside
The Ploughman's Lunch is a quintessentially British meal, traditionally enjoyed by agricultural workers. It's a simple yet satisfying combination of cheese, bread, pickles, and often ham or other cold meats. This recipe transforms the classic into a shareable board, perfect for a casual gathering or a relaxed lunch.
The History of the Ploughman's Lunch
While the concept of cheese, bread, and pickles has existed for centuries, the term "Ploughman's Lunch" gained popularity in the 1950s as a marketing campaign by the Cheese Bureau to promote cheese consumption. The name evokes images of hardworking farmers enjoying a hearty midday meal.
Building the Perfect Board
The beauty of a Ploughman's Lunch Board lies in its versatility. Feel free to adapt the ingredients to your preferences and what's available locally. Consider the textures and flavors of each component to create a balanced and appealing spread. Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses, breads, and pickles to find your perfect combination.
Ingredients
- 8 oz Mature Cheddar cheese, cut into chunks
- 8 oz Stilton cheese, cut into wedges
- 1 loaf Crusty bread, sliced
- 4 oz Cooked ham, sliced
- 4 oz Pickled onions
- 4 oz Branston pickle
- 4 oz Apple chutney
- 1 Apple, sliced
- 1 bunch Grapes
- 4 oz Cornichons
- 4 oz Celery sticks
- Butter, for spreading
Instructions
- 1.Prepare the Board
Choose a large wooden board or platter to arrange the ingredients.
- 2.Arrange Cheeses
Place the Cheddar and Stilton cheese prominently on the board.
- 3.Add Meats and Bread
Arrange the sliced ham and crusty bread around the cheeses.
- 4.Include Pickles and Chutneys
Place the pickled onions, Branston pickle, and apple chutney in small bowls or ramekins on the board.
- 5.Garnish with Fresh Produce
Fill in the gaps with apple slices, grapes, cornichons, and celery sticks.
- 6.Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Ploughman's Lunch Board immediately with butter for spreading on the bread.
Nutritional Information
Equipment
- Large wooden board or platter
- Small bowls or ramekins
- Cheese knife
- Bread knife
Tips
- Use high-quality cheeses for the best flavor.
- Choose a variety of textures and flavors for a well-rounded board.
- Serve with a selection of beers or ciders for a truly authentic experience.
- Add a hard-boiled egg for extra protein.
Frequently Asked Questions
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