Picnic recipes

'I always make a beeline for unusual courgettes when I encounter them,' says Annie Bell. ‘Round, yellow and baby ones have something of Provençal charm about them’

A decent blanket, plenty of napkins, good libations and, most of all, a bountiful selection of delicious homemade things make for the best picnic.

Savoury and moreish, these palmiers are perfect with a cocktail or as a picnic snack.

Absolutely scrumptious chicken lettuce cups: these are the perfect light lunch.

Step aside, hummus, there's a new dip on the menu.

Peanut butter and chocolate. It's a classic for a reason.

This recipe is not only a testament to its easy and quick preparation, but also a clever way to revitalise leftover couscous.

'This is the quintessential taste of English summer,' says chef Rowley Leigh

Use seasonal asparagus in a celebratory way with this easy asparagus quiche recipe from ‘The Weekend Cook’ by Angela Hartnett

Pair your fresh falafel with a drizzle of tahini, a piece of pickled turnip and a radish slice and mint

A livened up leek and stilton tart recipe that makes the perfect lunch served with a fresh rocket salad.

Once you try this tart, you'll never look back

Chicken livers are cheap and so good for you. This is liver at its most glamorous and delicious in an extract from Cucina del Veneto: Delicious recipes from Venice and Northeast Italy, by Ursula Ferrigno

It's simple but beyond delicious, this is the perfect vegetarian side dish

Alex Jackson shares his recipe for tomato and tapenade tart from his new cookbook, 'Sardine', named after his North London restaurant. Make the most of tomatoes when they are in season with this glorious tart

These will vanish quite rapidly – especially with a good dip beside them

Ricotta replaces butter in this cake and adds moisture, which keeps it tasting fresh for a few days. 

This frittata is full of colour and flavour

This quiche Lorraine recipe by Mary Berry is a great stand-by for lunch or supper, always best eaten hot or warm.

‘In a world that shies away from carbs, this is a gift that is as satisfying but far more nutritious’ says tasha's Natasha Sidaris