A packed lunch to be proud of…

Proper Egg Mayo 

The filling is soft, so this sandwich is best served on some really crusty bread. My favourite is ciabatta, but a baguette would also be wonderful. The creamy, rich egg mayo is made vibrant with the punch of some mustard, and the acidic tang of cornichons. A handful of rocket or watercress provides some much-needed crunchy freshness against the filling.  

Makes 2 

2 small ciabatta rolls 

3 eggs 

2 small dessert spoons mayo 

3 cornichons 

1 tsp wholegrain mustard 

Handful rocket or watercress 

1 tbsp chopped parsley/dill/tarragon (or a mix of the three) 

Salt and pepper 

Method:

1. Bring a small saucepan of water to the boil. Once a rapid boil is reached, carefully place the eggs into the water and set your timer for 8 minutes. You are aiming for yolks that are set but still slightly fudgy.
2. Pop the ciabatta in a pre-heated oven briefly to refresh the crispy crust if necessary. 
3. Whilst the eggs boil, pick the parsley leaves from their stalks and chop them roughly but finely. Half the cornichons and slice into thin half-moons. 
4. One the eggs are cooked, drain them and run them under a cold tap to stop them cooking. As soon as they’re cool enough to handle, peel them and pop them into a bowl.  
5. Use a fork to roughly mash the eggs in a small bowl. Add the mayonnaise, chopped herbs, cornichons, a pinch of salt and a generous grind of fresh black pepper and mix together, using the fork.  
6. Split the crusty ciabatta lengthways and slather generously with the egg mayo. Top with rocket and dive right in.  

Cheese Savoury  

A classic sandwich filler if ever there was one! This spicy, homemade cheese savoury knocks the socks off the version you can pick up in the supermarket. Make this in a big batch and keep it covered in the fridge to see you through the week.  

Makes 2 

2 seeded baps 

30g cheddar 

1 small carrot 

2 dessert spoons mayonnaise 

¼ tsp smoked paprika 

¼ red pepper 

2 spring onions  

1 ½ tsp sriracha  

2 gherkins 

½ baby gem lettuce 

Method: 

1. Grate the cheddar and the peeled carrot on the coarse side of a box grater then place in a small bowl. 
2. Finely slice the red pepper and the spring onions and add them to the bowl.  
3. Season with the mayonnaise, paprika, sriracha. Stir thoroughly to combine. Taste the filling and add a little more sriracha if it needs more fire, or a pinch of salt if it seems a little bland. 
4. Slice the gherkins lengthways into long thin strips and shred the lettuce into thin ribbons. 
5. Split the bap, and butter lightly before mounding the cheese savoury mix onto the read. Top with a handful of shredded lettuce and the slices of gherkin.