After the winter we endured, I want to spend as much time outside this summer as possible, which in my mind translates into "Let's have a picnic!". Eating outdoors somehow makes even the most ordinary food taste special and unique. So whether you're headed to the park, beach or just a city bench, consider packing up this easy to make, yet a little-bit-out-of-the ordinary sandwich! I promise, you'll love it!

Oddly enough, I was introduced to this creation by my son Simon. This from a kid who, up until about 2 years ago, ate only about 5 different foods and they were not turkey, brie or arugula, I assure you! He's now out in Los Angeles, where it's sort of summer all the time and people picnic year round, which is how this sandwich came about. When he recently came home for a visit, he was raving about it so much that I had to go out and get all the ingredients so he could make it for me. And let me just say, I have raised one smart kid!! It's delicious and an interesting complex combination of tastes and flavors! And so easy to make, you'll be heading out the door in no time!

You start by spreading some brie onto a good baguette or roll (or really any kind of sturdy bread).

Then you layer on thinly sliced turkey (I used honey-maple) and top with sweet apple slices-- And by the way, if you want to keep this vegetarian, it's wonderful without the turkey too!

You finish up by topping the whole thing with a mound of balsamic-vinaigrette coated arugula.

It's so yummy! There's the wonderful crustiness of the bread, the creaminess of the brie that perfectly balances out the acidity of the vinaigrette, while the apple and turkey work wonders against the peppery bitterness of the arugula. It's so good and so much better than any sandwich you'd get in a deli and so conveniently there for you--all ready to be unwrapped and devoured! C'mon, what are you waiting for? Plan your next picnic asap--the summer goes by so quickly!

Turkey, Apple, Brie & Arugula Sandwich

Makes 2 large sandwiches--you can easily double or triple the recipe or cut the sandwiches in half and share among 4 people depending on what else you're serving

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 large baguette (I used a multigrain one) or any roll or hearty bread you like

• 1 small wedge of brie, slightly softened

• 1/2 pound of thinly-sliced deli turkey (I used honey maple)

• 1 sweet apple ( I used Pink Lady), thinly sliced

• 1/2 bag (about 3-4 cups) arugula  ( I used Trader Joe's rocket arugula)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinaigrette

• Salt and pepper to taste

The Recipe

1.  Slice the baguette in half and then again lengthwise. Spread some brie on both sides of the bread. Top with several slices of turkey and then the apple slices.

2.  In a medium bowl, toss the arugula with the olive oil. Then sprinkle on the vinegar and toss again. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Top each sandwich with a generous helping of the arugula mixture and then place the top half of the bread on top.

3.  Eat immediately or wrap well in aluminum foil and head outdoors.

Enjoy!