Autumn is my favorite time of year!  I’ve never been a huge fan of summer so when there’s relief from the hot sun, I begin to enjoy being outside.  There are many favorite things I love about fall, raking leaves and jumping in them, bonfires, apple cider, the changing colors, and picnics. Yes, picnics!  Summer is traditionally known for its hosting of picnics but I tend to prefer them in the spring or fall when you can actually enjoy them without all the sweat and bugs.

One of my most favorite picnics was what you might consider the simplest, without much
planning or supplies, but with one of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen.  It began in Monterey, California at La Sala’s Bi-Rite Market and Deli. Without much thought, other than not wanting to just grab Subway, we came upon this deli as we were about to head south along Highway 1, California’s famous Pacific Coast Highway.  Not sure what we would find when we got in, yet trusting the “Great Sandwiches” sign painted on the front window, we took a chance. The varieties of homemade bread in baskets along the front deli counter were the first indication that we made a great decision.  We all chose our bread, which was then freshly sliced and loaded up with sliced meats and fresh veggies.  Wrapped in butcher paper, our sandwiches were tossed in a bag with some cool, bottled beverages and we set off on our coastal adventure.  If you’ve never driven Highway 1, add it to your bucket list now!  Named one of the nation’s most scenic highways and byways by National Geographic, its views are not only stunning, but breathtaking.  With a good sandwich in hand, it’ll top your list of most memorable experiences for sure. There was deep engagement of every one of my senses as I sat on a boulder overlooking Big Sur’s region of coastline.  In addition to the magnificent view and the deliciousness of my homemade sandwich, the sound of the waves breaking against the shoreline and the salty smell in the air made this one of the most sensual experiences I’ve encountered.  Are you packing your bag yet?

Romantic Fall Picnic at Horsetooth Reservoir Photography by Andrea Karapas

As I thought of my next blogging adventure last weekend, while craving a delectably hearty sandwich, I was reminded of my picnic along Highway 1.  I decided to ambitiously embark on a mission to recreate this memory locally, here in Fort Collins, CO, only the sandwiches would be made in my kitchen.  This recipe comes from Giada De Laurentiis, and if you have ever watched her show you know that she aspires to create the most romantic picnics for her and her husband, Todd Thompson, a fashion designer for Anthropologie.  Leaving behind the cheesy, toothy smiles and the annoying, intermittent Italian accent, I ventured to replicate her passion for romantic picnics.   I found a sandwich recipe with some of our favorite ingredients and paired it with a bottle of California red wine.  I added them to a picnic basket with a few romantic touches and we headed to Horsetooth Reservoir for a romantic Sunday picnic to stimulate our sensual side.

The marinade for the steak is one that I will definitely use again.  Consisting of only 4 flavor-intense ingredients: balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and cracked
mustard seeds, it stimulates both your taste buds and sense of smell.  I imagine my neighbors were quite jealous at the scent of my rib eye steaks sizzling on the grill in the middle of a Sunday afternoon.  One of the best tips I’ve received about grilling any kind of meat is to let it rest 10 minutes after grilling in order to let the juices redistribute in the meat before cutting into it.  This step was a key factor in the tenderness of these steaks and led to one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever tasted.  The second layer of flavor came
from the freshly crumbled Gorgonzola cheese. Mixed with sour cream and spread thickly over the crusty baguette, its salty and robust flavor complements the steak beautifully.  The sandwich is finally topped with fresh arugula, adding a peppery finish to the steak.

You can’t have a romantic picnic without a bottle of red wine so I called upon my friends
at Red Truck Winery and their 2009 California Cabernet Sauvignon to bring a little passion to our outdoor table.  The weather was quite lovely, a beautiful fall day overlooking the clear water.  The companionship was even better as we shared favorite memories over a bottle of wine and a deliciously made sandwich.  I encourage you to add a
romantic fall picnic with that special someone to your Fall “to-do list”!  Buon Appetito!

Steak Sandwiches Photography by Andrea Karapas

Steak Sandwiches Photography by Andrea Karapas

Steak Sandwiches
Ingredients:
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon yellow mustard seeds, cracked
3 (12 to 14-ounce) rib-eye steaks
4 ounces Gorgonzola, crumbled
1/2 cup sour cream
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 baguette (about 2 feet long), split lengthwise
2 cups lightly packed arugula
Instructions:
Combine the vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard seeds in a large resealable plastic bag. Add the steaks and seal the bag. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours, turning the steaks occasionally.
Prepare the barbecue for medium-high heat or preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Drain the marinade from the steaks. Grill the steaks to desired doneness, about 6 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let the steaks rest for 10 minutes. Cut the steaks crosswise into thin slices.
Meanwhile, stir the cheese and sour cream in a small bowl to form a thick spread. Season the cheese mixture, to taste, with salt and pepper. Remove some of the bread from the center of the baguette halves. Spread the cheese mixture over the baguette halves. Arrange the arugula then the warm steak slices over the baguette bottom. Sprinkle the steak slices with salt and pepper. Cover with the baguette top. Cut the sandwich crosswise into 6 equal pieces and serve.
Recipe courtesy of Giada De Lauentiis.