Entree: United Kingdom – England - Midlands – Ploughman's Lunch (Rustic cold meal of crusty bread, cheese, pickles and cured meats traditionally served in pubs)

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 10 min

Cook 0 min

Total 10 min

Ingredients

- 1 crusty country loaf, about 1 lb (450 g)
- 8 oz (225 g) mature Cheddar cheese, roughly chunked
- 6 oz (170 g) sliced cured ham or ham off the bone
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled, approx. 200 g total
- 1/2 cup (150 g) Branston-style pickle
- 6 pickled onions, approx. 100 g
- 2 tbsp (30 g) salted butter
- 2 medium cooking apples, sliced, approx. 300 g
- 4 oz (115 g) crisp mixed salad leaves (lettuce, watercress)
- 4 oz (115 g) cornichons or small gherkins, halved
- Optional: 4 slices (approx. 100 g) cooked cold ham or pork pie slices

Instructions

1. Arrange the crusty loaf on a board and slice to serve. Cut the Cheddar into chunks or wedges and place centrally on a serving platter or board.
2. On the platter arrange sliced cured ham, hard-boiled eggs halved, Branston pickle, pickled onions, cornichons, butter and apple slices. Scatter mixed salad leaves to one side.
3. To serve, encourage diners to tear bread, spread butter, add cheese, pickles and ham to taste. Ploughman's Lunch is meant to be eaten family-style straight from the board with simple plates and knives.