Season’s Eatings – First Group’s Chef Stone Serves Up Festive Flavours
The festive season is all about spending time with loved ones, and according to First Group’s Chef Samantha Stone, Group Food and Beverage Development Manager, great company and good food are what truly make holiday celebrations special.
To inspire your holiday table, Chef Stone has shared some of her favourite easy-to-make recipes. Ranging from a delicious snack and a clever way to transform leftovers, to a special treat for our furry friends, she ensures everyone can join in the celebration. “These dishes are designed to keep things simple but are sure to bring smiles all around, including your pooches,” she adds. “Because, from elaborate feasts to yummy snacks, food is at the heart of the festivities.”
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 and can be served as a pre-lunch or pre-dinner snack, keeping everyone satisfied until the main meal. They are also great for picnics and can be served with salad for a light lunch by cutting them into larger portions before baking.
Hint: Sausage rolls freeze well – before and after baking – and can be made well in advance, ready to pop into the oven when needed.
Leftovers Made Magical: Christmas Lunch Quesadillas
Give your Christmas lunch or dinner leftovers a fun twist by turning them into quick and delicious quesadillas the next day.
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 delicious way to give your leftovers new life while keeping the Christmas cheer alive in every bite.
Holiday Cheer Pet Treat: 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 that it doesn’t need to be complicated to be special. Sometimes the simplest dishes, shared with those we love, including our four-legged friends, create the most memorable celebrations,” Chef Stone concludes.