Winter Warmers : Savory "Swiss" Rolls

We are moving into a new season, with summer waving goodbye at us and the crispy cold fingers of winter fastens it's grip on our shoulders.  Days become shorter and nights become longer and for most, this is the dreaded cold, windy time - Winter! This is personally my favorite time of the year.  Unfortunately most of us are forced to stay inside (this is for your own good), as the sad truth settles in.  The Covid 19 Virus is spreading rapidly across the globe, and seriously in South Africa.  Food unites us as nation to support each other - to spread love, kindness and positivity. 

Free Time

Most of us have some free time at home to tackle a project that we always postpone, or the baking ventures in the kitchen or just some plain old fashioned DIY in your home.  Between work and sanitizing my life, I try to cook quick and easy meals that don't require a high volume input, but have wonderful results.

Kids love making these!

Savory "Swiss" Rolls are a great way to make a quick meal or even a side dish.  Kids love making these and it is not really messy (so moms don't have to clean up after the little ones). It will keep them busy and is also a good bonding experience.  Cooking with parents solidifies the emotional bonds with kids. 

Braai

One of the wonderful things of South Africans is the ability to find any reason / excuse to Braai (preparing meat on a fire - no gas grill, accompanied with friends and family), and these Rolls serve as a wonderful complimentary dish or even starter.

Savory "Swiss" Rolls
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Serving: 4 - 8
Difficulty: 2 out 5

Ingredients:

• 500g puff Pastry
• 1 cup Mushrooms
• 250g bacon strips / slices
• 1/2 red Bell pepper
• 1/2 green Bell pepper
• 1 cup grated Cheese (any kind will do)
• 1 tsp mixed Herbs
• Ground black pepper to taste
• 1 egg, for brushing 

Be careful to add salt as the cheese and the bacon is already salty. (For a Halal / Kosher option, remove bacon)

Method:

• Chop the mushrooms and peppers into tiny cubes.
• On a floured surface, roll out the pastry until 3mm thin in a rectangle. 
• Strategically place the bacon to cover all the pastry. 
• Sprinkle the mushrooms and peppers over the bacon.
• Sprinkle the cheese over the peppers.
• Sprinkle the mixed herbs and peppers on top of everything.
• Roll the pastry in a Swiss roll style, be careful not to squeeze everything together in the roll process.
• Wrap in cling wrap and freeze overnight, alternatively - cut into wheels (this is optional). 
• The next day let it defrost, then remove the cling wrap. 
• Preheat the oven to 180’C. 
• In a buttered oven dish place the wheels and brush with an egg mixture.   
• Bake for  45 - 60 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Serve as a starter with cream cheese.

For a Braai option, place inside a braai grid and flip regularly until golden brown on both sides.

Please stay safe during these tough times, practice social distancing, sanitize and wash your hands regularly - humanity, We can do this!

Enjoy!

Tin_Tin