The ultimate in eggplant sandwiches, it’s healthy and incredibly tasty.  Enjoy!

Yield: 8-10 portions

Ingredients

1 large round crusty bread

Filling

3  red onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
½ tsp  sugar
1-2 tbsp  Extra Virgin olive oil
12 rounds  grilled eggplant
½ cup  fresh mint leaves
20 rounds grilled zucchini
1 cup arugula
20 tomato halves, oven roasted
1 bunch thyme
½ c  basil leaves
250 g  goat cheese
20  pieces grilled red peppers, sea salt and cracked black pepper

 Method

Cut the top off of the bread, scoop out the inside leaving approximately 1½ inches crust.

Cut tomatoes in half, sprinkle with EVOO, season with sea salt, 1/8 tsp minced garlic and sprigs of thyme, roast in a slow oven (about 300° F) for approximately 1hour.  If you are in a hurry, turn the oven up to 375° F for about ½ hour).  When done remove and reserve.

Sauté  the sliced onions with olive oil until the onions have caramelized, then add the balsamic vinegar and sugar, sauté a few minutes longer until all the onions are coated, season with sea salt & pepper.  Remove from heat and reserve.

Salt and toss the eggplant and zucchini with extra virgin olive oil.  Grill until golden brown. Remove and reserve.  If you choose you may toss the grilled vegetables with a little balsamic vinegar.

Divide all ingredients in half.  Start to layer the muffuletta with the arugula, onions, eggplant, tomatoes, basil, goat cheese, red pepper, zucchini, and mint.  Repeat with the remaining half of the ingredients.

Replace the top of the bread and wrap in a tea towel to transport.  Cut into wedges to serve.

Looking for some company picnic ideas? After all, July is National Picnic month, and what better way to celebrate than by having a picnic?  We Calgarians are especially fortunate to have all kinds of fabulous picnic areas and hiking trails.  And so we have some helpful tips to help make your event “picnictastic.”

There are plenty of good reasons to have a corporate picnic.

- They lift staff’s spirits and company morale
- They show appreciation for employees
- They demonstrate a commitment to employees and their families   
- They build teamwork
- They’re fun

These days, picnics are no longer about a single basket filled with soggy sandwiches, warm drinks and ants. Today’s picnics can be innovative and creative.

Here are five important things to remember when you think through your company picnic ideas.

1. Location, location, location. Not only do you want it to be scenic but it also should be  close to where the majority of your workforce live. You’ll need to think about transit routes, or consider options such as taxi vouchers or car pooling.

2. Make sure you’ve got the basics covered. On-site power, permits, washrooms, tents (anything above 600 square feet needs a building permit), tables and chairs, set up, strike down, and recycling are just a few of the many things on the picnic-to-do list. 

3. Put lots of “fun” into the day’s agenda. You’ll want to ensure there are plenty of games and activities. You don’t want everyone sitting around with nothing to do – what is this, the office? (kidding). When thinking through your company picnic ideas and activities, remember to consider your employees’ interests (not everyone likes softball).  And make sure the kids have plenty to do too.

4. Theme your picnic. Today’s picnic events can have their own themes with corresponding menus that can be custom designed. Remember to incorporate the theme through the entire event, from the invitation to the décor, food, activities, music and entertainment. Make sure that your entertainment compliments the day and the activities. 

5. Food. We’re thinking barbequed burgers, hot dogs, chicken and ribs. And while they will please most of your guests, remember to include plenty of vegetarian options. Avoid foods that spoil quickly in the heat (hello, mayonnaise and seafood). Make sure you’ve got the appropriate refrigeration for drinks and food. Water and fruits will keep everyone hydrated. 

Calgary picnic site bookings can be made in advance by contacting the City of Calgary:

Check out their website or email: facilitybooking@calgary.ca You can reach them by phone at: Customer Service Center 403-268-3800 and in person at: Customer Service Center, 2808 Spiller Road S.E., Calgary, AB.

Now the question is – where to go for a day of picnicking?

Don’t ever say we never done nothin’ for ya. Here is a comprehensive list of Calgary picnic areas and their locations, including playgrounds, off-leash dog parks, natural environment parks as well as the outdoor resource center.

Coming up with company picnic ideas is just the beginning. There are a huge number of details to work through. In fact, you might want to consider hiring an event planner who can also cater your event to make sure all potential obstacles are covered. A professional planner can’t stop it from raining but they can make sure that none of your guests get wet. 

While you’re at it, check out Simply Elegant’s Summer Packages. They’re designed to ensure your event is exactly as you want it at a price you can afford.

Planning in advance and taking care of the details will ensure your outdoor experience is relaxed and stress-free.  So bring your company picnic ideas to life! Get out there and have a fun day in the great outdoors. Oh, and don’t forget to bring the sunscreen.