If you asked me the best thing about Christmas, I’d answer without thinking. It’s pigs in blankets, and I eat way too many throughout December, attempting to make up for the rest of the year.
What Are Pigs in Blankets
Pigs in blankets are popular snacks, appetisers, or side dishes. They are often associated with the holidays in the United Kingdom and the United States. However, the similarities stop there, as what a pig in a blanket is can cause confusion across the Atlantic Ocean.
In the United States, Pigs in a blanket are small sausages or frankfurters wrapped in puff pastry and baked until golden. However, in the UK, where I live, pigs in blankets are small sausages wrapped in streaky bacon and baked until crisp and golden. They are synonymous with a traditional British Christmas dinner. I’d give up the turkey for these delicious pigs in blankets if I had to.
Ingredients for Pigs in Blankets
Chipolatas – Chipolatas are small, thin sausages made with various seasonings. Like most recipes, I recommend using a flavour you like.
Streaky Bacon – Streaky bacon is key to making the perfect pigs in blankets. It’s a type of bacon cut from the belly of the pig, and its high-fat content helps it turn golden and crispy when baked or fried. Its name comes from the alternating layers of meat and fat, said to resemble streaks.
Honey – The many honey varieties can earn the sweet nectar its own article. I prefer to use a runny honey in a squeezy bottle as it’s easier to handle.
Wholegrain Mustard – Wholegrain mustard is a combination of whole mustard seeds mixed with other ingredients. These ingredients vary from brand to brand, so choose a brand you like and can afford. You can also make wholegrain mustard at home.
Thyme- Thyme has a delicate flavour compared to rosemary. However, I tend to see these two woody herbs interchangeably.
Pigs in Blankets
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200C or 180C Fan or 400F or Gas 6
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Wrap a slice of bacon around a chipolata and repeat for each sausage. Try to ensure the bacon twirls around the length of the sausage.
- In a small bowl, combine the honey, mustard, and thyme. Brush each sausage wrapped with bacon with a liberal coating of the dressing.
- Place the pigs in blankets on the lined tray and place them in the centre of the preheated oven. Roast for 18-20 minutes until crisp and golden.
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