Last week after the 'Vegetarian Debate' in this house I think we have decided to be 'Part time Omnivores'. This has already taken effect and involves reducing the meat that is consumed in the house. Last week I made my first 'Nut Roast' in years. I was very pleased with the results it had a great flavour, sliced well and made a substantial meat-free main meal. I decided to create this 'Festive Version' for the holidays.
This is a hearty, nutritious 'Festive Nut Roast' flavoured with Cranberries, Chutney and Mixed Spice. It is delicious served as a roast meal and is equally delicious served cold with pickles. It will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days. It can be mixed in advance and kept in the fridge until ready to roast. It also freezes well. A very versatile Vegetarian option, perfect for the festivities.
Ingredients
400g Wholemeal Bread crumbs
600g Chopped Mix Nuts
100g Dried Cranberries
1 large courgette (grated)
2 Carrots (grated, no need to peel)
1 large onion (grated)
3 tablespoons of a good quality Chutney (I used Tomato and Chilli Jam)
2 tsp of Dried Mixed Herbs
1 heaped tsp of Ground Mixed Spice
Salt and Pepper (Season well)
4 Eggs (from you bestest clucky friends)
2 tablespoons of Olive oil
Method
Place all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix until all the ingredients are really well combined. I use my hands. Turn the mixture into a buttered roasting tin or loaf tins. Cook in a medium to hot oven for 1hr 30 mins. Check the Nut Roast to ensure it isn't burning and adjust the oven accordingly or cover the top with tin foil.. It is good to make sure the Nuts are roasted throughout the dish as this brings out maximum flavour. It smells so good while it is Roasting. Serve hot with vegetables and a Vegetarian Gravy. It is also delicious to serve cold in slices or chunks with pickles, crackers and cheese.
On the Craft Front, Euan is collecting UFO's (Unfinished Objects) at the almost the same rate as his Mom! He has several Yarny things on the go too. Today we had a quiet moment of fun using this book:
We have not had the snow that the 'Weatherman' practically promised us, so we have had to make our own, ours is very pretty.
