The festive season is all about creating unforgettable moments with loved ones, and nothing brings people together quite like great company and good food.
First Group’s Chef Samantha Stone, Group Food and Beverage Development Manager, is here to make your holiday preparations a breeze with a trio of easy-to-make recipes. From a versatile snack to a creative take on leftovers—and even a special treat for your furry friends—these recipes will add joy to your celebrations without adding stress.
1. Versatile Homemade Sausage Rolls
Ingredients:
- 500g sausage meat or your favourite pork sausages (casings removed)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried sage or thyme
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- Sesame seeds for sprinkling (optional)
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sausage meat, onion, garlic, sage, and mustard. Mix until well combined.
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into rectangles about 10 cm wide.
- Place a line of the sausage mixture down the centre of each rectangle. Fold the pastry over and press the edges to seal, then slice into smaller bite-sized pieces.
- Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and flaky.
- Serve warm with chutney or a tangy tomato relish for dipping.
These homemade sausage rolls are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. They’re perfect as a pre-lunch or pre-dinner snack, keeping everyone satisfied until the main meal. They also freeze well—before and after baking—so you can make them in advance and pop them in the oven when needed.
2. Christmas Leftover Quesadillas
Ingredients:
- Leftover turkey, chicken or any other meats (shredded or sliced)
- Leftover stuffing, veggies, or roasted potatoes (diced or mashed)
- Grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favourite blend)
- Flour tortillas/wraps
- Cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping
Method:
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Place one tortilla on the pan and sprinkle a thin layer of cheese over it.
- Add your leftover meat, veggies, and a bit more cheese. Top with another tortilla.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden and crisp.
- Slice into wedges and serve with cranberry sauce or warmed gravy for dipping.
These festive quesadillas are a fun way to repurpose leftovers from your holiday meals while keeping the Christmas cheer alive in every bite.
3. Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Dog Biscuits
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain, unseasoned pumpkin – mashed/pureed
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol)
- 2 eggs
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and eggs until smooth.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1 cm thick and cut into festive shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place the biscuits on the baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes until firm and lightly golden.
- Let them cool completely before serving to your furry friends.
Recommendation: Check with your vet first for any dietary restrictions or allergies before introducing new treats.
“The beauty of holiday cooking is in its simplicity. These recipes celebrate good food shared with those we love, making this season extra special—even for our pets,” says Chef Stone.
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