Wensleydale & Apricot Sausage Rolls - Day 10

The festive season brings a myriad of chances to savour delightful treats, and sausage rolls are a beloved favourite. Elevate your holiday offerings by incorporating Wensleydale cheese and apricots into the mix. This unique combination adds a touch of sophistication to a classic British snack. Wensleydale, renowned for its creamy and crumbly texture, harmonises beautifully with the sweet and tangy apricots, creating an irresistible filling.

This twist on the traditional sausage roll is perfect for Christmas gatherings or New Year’s Eve parties, offering something a bit different yet wonderfully familiar. The cheese's mild yet slightly tangy flavour pairs excellently with the apricots, making each bite a delightful experience. Not only does this recipe taste exceptional, but it also adds a festive flair to your table, making your holiday spread even more inviting.

Imagine the aroma of freshly baked pastry filled with succulent sausage meat, creamy Wensleydale, and sweet apricots wafting through your home. It's the kind of scent that makes everyone feel cosy and welcome, enhancing the warm atmosphere of your celebrations. These sausage rolls are also incredibly versatile, ideal as an appetiser, a snack, or even part of a main course.

Making these festive sausage rolls is straightforward, requiring simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. They are also a great option if you're looking to prepare something in advance. The combination of textures—the flaky puff pastry, the tender sausage meat, the crumbly cheese, and the chewy apricots—ensures that these sausage rolls are not only delicious but also memorable.

Incorporating Wensleydale cheese and apricots into your sausage rolls is a wonderful way to introduce new flavours to your holiday menu while staying true to classic British culinary traditions. Whether you're hosting a large gathering or enjoying a cosy family dinner, these sausage rolls are sure to be a hit.

To create these scrumptious sausage rolls, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

• 500g sausage meat
• 200g Wensleydale cheese, crumbled
• 100g dried apricots, finely chopped
• 2 sheets of puff pastry
• 1 egg, beaten
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• A pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon (optional)

When selecting Wensleydale cheese, opt for one that is fresh, with a clean, creamy colour and a crumbly texture. The cheese's mild yet slightly tangy flavour pairs well with the apricots. For the apricots, choose those that are plump and bright in colour, as these will offer the best flavour and texture for the filling.

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6.
2. To begin crafting the filling for your Wensleydale and apricot sausage rolls, place the sausage meat into a large mixing bowl. Add the crumbled Wensleydale cheese and the finely chopped apricots. Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, mix the ingredients together until well combined. Ensuring the cheese and apricots are evenly distributed will result in a more uniform and flavourful filling.
3. Season the mixture with a generous pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. For those looking to add a bit more warmth and depth to the filling, consider sprinkling in a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon. These spices will enhance the natural sweetness of the apricots and the creaminess of the cheese, adding an extra layer of complexity to each bite.
4. Continue to mix the sausage meat until the seasoning and spices are fully incorporated. Be sure to mix thoroughly but gently, as overworking the meat can result in a tougher texture once baked.

With your filling ready, you're all set to move on to the next step of the process

5. Begin by laying out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface, ensuring they are smooth and even. Cut the pastry into rectangles, with each piece being large enough to wrap around a portion of the filling.
6. Take a portion of the prepared sausage mixture and shape it into a log along one edge of a pastry rectangle. Carefully roll the pastry over the filling, pressing the edge gently to seal it. If needed, use a bit of beaten egg along the seam to help it stick. Continue this process with the remaining pastry and sausage mixture.

7. After rolling, cut the sausage rolls into your desired size, typically around 3-4cm in length, using a sharp knife. Place each roll seam-side down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops of the sausage rolls with beaten egg, which will give them a lovely golden colour when baked.
8. Repeat these steps until all the sausage meat and pastry have been used up. Ensure that each sausage roll is placed evenly on the baking tray, with some space between them to allow for expansion during baking.

9. Place the baking tray with the prepared sausage rolls in the centre of the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring closely as they bake to achieve an ideal golden-brown finish. The pastry should puff up nicely, creating a flaky and tender exterior that encases the savoury filling.
10. For an even bake, it’s a good idea to rotate the baking tray halfway through the cooking time. This ensures all the sausage rolls brown uniformly and the heat is distributed evenly. The filling should reach a safe internal temperature, ensuring the sausage meat is thoroughly cooked and the Wensleydale cheese is melted, binding the ingredients together.

The aroma emanating from your oven will be tantalising, as the cheese melds with the sausage meat and apricots, releasing a delightful scent that will fill your kitchen. As the pastry turns a beautiful golden colour, you’ll know your sausage rolls are nearing perfection.

11. To check if the sausage rolls are done, gently lift one with a spatula. The underside should be crisp and golden, indicating that the pastry is cooked through. If the bottoms are still pale, give them a few more minutes in the oven, but be mindful not to overbake, as this could dry out the filling.
12. As an optional step, if you prefer an extra glossy finish, you can brush the tops of the sausage rolls with a bit more beaten egg about five minutes before the end of the baking time. This will enhance the golden colour and give them a bakery-quality shine.

Avoid opening the oven door too frequently during baking, as this can cause the temperature to drop and affect the puffing of the pastry. Patience is key; allow the sausage rolls to bake without disturbance for the best results.

13. Once they reach the desired golden hue and are cooked through, remove the baking tray from the oven. Let the sausage rolls sit for a few minutes on the tray to firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack. This brief resting period will help maintain their structure and prevent the filling from spilling out when you handle them.

For an extra touch of festivity, you might like to sprinkle some sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top of the sausage rolls before baking. Simply brush the tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle the seeds over, pressing them lightly to help them adhere.

Your festive Wensleydale and apricot sausage rolls are now baked to perfection, ready to be enjoyed fresh from the oven or presented as a warm, inviting treat at your holiday gatherings.

Once your sausage rolls have cooled slightly, it's time to think about presenting them in a way that highlights their festive appeal. Start by arranging the sausage rolls on a decorative platter or a rustic wooden board, which adds a charming touch to the presentation. This setup not only looks attractive but also makes it easy for guests to help themselves.

For a festive touch, consider garnishing the platter with fresh rosemary sprigs. The green of the rosemary contrasts beautifully with the golden-brown sausage rolls and adds a subtle, aromatic hint that complements the flavours. Alternatively, you can sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top of the sausage rolls before baking. This not only adds visual interest but also provides a slight crunch that enhances the overall texture.

To elevate the flavour profile, serve the sausage rolls with a small bowl of cranberry sauce or a tangy chutney on the side. The sweetness and acidity of these accompaniments pair wonderfully with the creamy Wensleydale cheese and the apricots in the filling. Your guests can dip the sausage rolls into the sauce or chutney, adding a burst of flavour with each bite.

If you're hosting a larger gathering, consider setting up a self-serve station. Lay out the sausage rolls in neat rows, with small labels indicating the filling. Provide small plates and napkins nearby, allowing guests to easily pick up and enjoy the treats. You could also add a variety of sauces and dips to the station, giving your guests the option to customise their sausage rolls to their liking.

For a more casual gathering, you can serve the sausage rolls in a basket lined with a festive tea towel. This approach is not only practical but also adds a homely, comforting touch to the presentation. Guests can simply reach into the basket and grab a sausage roll, making it an ideal setup for a relaxed get-together.

Lastly, consider pairing the sausage rolls with a selection of beverages. Mulled wine, cider, or a sparkling wine can complement the flavours beautifully and add to the festive spirit. Arrange the drinks nearby, perhaps with some festive glasses or mugs, to complete the setup.

To keep any leftovers fresh, place the sausage rolls in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Reheat the sausage rolls on a baking tray for approximately 10 minutes or until thoroughly warmed. It's best to avoid using a microwave, as this can result in a soggy pastry.

If you wish to store the sausage rolls for a longer period, they can be frozen effectively. To do this, arrange the sausage rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. This method prevents them from sticking together, allowing you to take out only as many as you need at a time.

When reheating from frozen, it's advisable to defrost the sausage rolls in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual defrosting helps maintain the quality of both the filling and the pastry. After defrosting, follow the same reheating instructions: place the sausage rolls in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan) for about 10 minutes or until they are hot throughout.

For an extra crispy exterior, you can brush the sausage rolls with a bit of beaten egg before reheating. This will help restore some of the golden colour and flaky texture.

If you make this dish, why not send me a picture on Instagram using the #acountrygirlskitchen so I can go over and show it some love.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

*Chefs Kiss*