Everyone has their favourite part of the Christmas meal, and for many it’s the stuffing. The practical shape of this clever stuffing roll recipe means it takes up very little space in the oven, as it can be slid in alongside a larger roasting tin. However, it can also be used to stuff the bird. Whatever you decide to do with it, it can be prepared up to three days in advance as long as the sausages are nice and fresh, meaning all you need to do on the big day is remember to pop it into the oven.
Ingredients:
– 100g (4oz) butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 300g (11oz) good-quality sausagemeat
– 175g (6oz) fresh white breadcrumbs
– 50g (2oz) dried cranberries
– 1 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
– 2 tsp chopped fresh mixed herbs (use a mixture of sage, rosemary and thyme)
– sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F/gas mark 6).
2. Melt the butter in a sauté pan set over a medium heat, then add the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Remove the pan from the heat and mix in the sausagemeat, breadcrumbs, dried cranberries and herbs, then season generously.
3. Shape into a large roll, then wrap in a layer of parchment paper and tin foil, twisting the ends securely to seal. Cook in the oven for about 45 minutes, until cooked through and t ender. Unwrap just before cutting into slices to serve.
Christmas is the one time of the year where you want everything to be perfect. So, thank heaven for Neven and his fantastic new cookbook! People all over Ireland will turn to their most trusted chef, Neven Maguire, to help them deliver the perfect Irish Christmas.
The book is divided into two sections. Part 1 focusses on the big day, from Neven’s famous buttermilk turkey and perfect roast potatoes to traditional Christmas desserts. Part 2 covers the whole of the festive season including a Snowman Cake to make with the kids, St Stephen’s Day leftovers right through to a festive New Year’s Eve dinner. You’ll also find lots of fun ideas for edible gifts, party food and all the little extras that help make Christmas as special as it can be.
Neven’s Perfect Christmas is published by Gill Books and is available to purchase here.