Cornelia van der Poll serves a summer spread of pork meatloaf, cold ratatouille, potato salad and lemon and almond cake, ideal for a picnic.
The best outdoor meals evoke a sense of spontaneity. Even if the cook has been planning and preparing meticulously behind the scenes, fine weather and fresh air call for effortlessly simple presentation, and also robust flavours, because dishes to be eaten outdoors need to withstand being served cold. This pork meatloaf looks tempting, has a depth of flavour and is easy to transport. Add a simple salad of sliced ripe tomatoes, basil torn into pieces, good olive oil and vinegar, and perhaps a sourdough loaf and some unsalted butter, or a potato salad, and your picnic or lunch in the garden is complete. A cold ratatouille turns it into a grander summery meal. The lemon and almond cake requires only raspberries, and some whipped cream, if logistics allow. What to drink? Champagne, rosé, a dry cider or even a cold pale ale.
