party sausage rolls

A barometer of how far we're progressing as a society can be assessed by the methodology of children's party games.  At my son's 5th birthday party I had organised the classic game of pass-the-parcel.  I made sure that there were multiple layers to guarantee at least 20 minutes of excited anticipation expressed with utterances of 'aah it's Nancy (or whoever was the fortunate holder of the prize within)' when the music stopped. And then all eyes would feast on the potential winner of the prize.   And then a look of whimsical disappointment from Nancy when it wasn't so, after unwrapping to reveal another layer.  This image would extend to foreseeing the rubbing of little fairy-bread stained hands when the music recommenced, faces aglow with the renewed hope that they would be the ONE. And of course, the scenario would end with a happy victorious participant who would dance with joy clutching their newfound prize much to the passing chagrin of the others. 

However, quelle horreur, one of the little darlings stridently declared after a mere 3 unwrappings that there was no present! And then another one joined in with 'this game is boring'  and swiftly there was a mass exodus.  Only my son and his dear friend Archie stayed till the bitter end.   This is a generation where everyone has to be a winner...

Well, I am glad to say that there is never a mass exodus from the party food table when I serve these sausage rolls at my children's parties.  Makes about 30.

 

500g minced beef
250g minced pork
1 brown onion (medium) diced finely
1 bayleaf
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tbs olive oil
1/3 cup of breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 small zucchini, grated
1 small carrot, grated
1/3 cup plum sauce
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
2 tbs worcestershire sauce
2 tbs dried oregano
1/4 cup of finely chopped parsley
5 sheets of butter puff pastry
a handful of sesame seeds

Preheat oven to 180 degrees.  Line 2 baking trays with baking paper.

Saute the onion in the olive oil with the bay and garlic till golden and soft, about 10 mins on medium heat.  Remove the bay and then mix the whole lot with your hands.  Don't forget to season well with salt and pepper.   A good idea to test for correct seasoning, is to take a small amount and fry it in a little oil and taste it once cooked.

Place a 'roll' of mince meat mixture in the middle along the length of the pastry sheet.   Pinch the two ends together enfolding the mince meat mixture and tuck underneath. Dip the top of the roll in the sesame seeds and then cut into sixths.  Repeat until all sheets are used.

Place the little sausage rolls on baking tray.  Bake for 30 mins till golden and crisp on the outside.