Name: Picnic Food: Mushroom & Squash Veggie Sausage Rolls
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 1 x 320g Jus-Rol™ Puff Pastry Sheet; 200g butternut squash, deseeded, peeled and cut into 1cm dice; 1 red onion, peeled and roughly chopped; 250g chestnut mushrooms, roughly chopped; 4 sprigs of fresh thyme leaves, picked; 60g breadcrumbs; 1 heaped tbsp of red onion chutney; 1 egg yolk; Splash of milk

Picnic Food: Scrumptious Veggie Sausage Rolls

For a marvellous meat-free treat that’s simple to make, why not try these Veggie Sausage Rolls? With a delicious mushroom and squash filling, these bite-sized pastries are the perfect picnic staple.

See Recipe

Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients:

1 x 320g Jus-Rol™ Puff Pastry Sheet
200g butternut squash, deseeded, peeled and cut into 1cm dice
1 red onion, peeled and roughly chopped
250g chestnut mushrooms, roughly chopped
4 sprigs of fresh thyme leaves, picked
60g breadcrumbs
1 heaped tbsp of red onion chutney
1 egg yolk
Splash of milk

Equipment:

Baking tray
Shallow saucepan
Food processor
Sharp knife
Small bowl
Pastry brush
Fork

Method:

Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C in a fan oven) 425°F, Gas Mark 7.
Put the diced butternut squash into a baking tray and drizzle with a little oil. Roast for 20-25 mins or until golden and cooked through.
While the squash is roasting, put a large shallow saucepan on a medium heat, add 1 tbsp of oil. Add the red onion, thyme and mushrooms and cook it all down for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until all cooked and juices are released and evaporated.
Once the squash is cooked, leave it to cool a little then pop it into the food processor with the mushroom/onion mix. Blitz a little then add the drained cannellini beans and breadcrumbs. Stir in the chutney and season well with salt and black pepper. You want to blitz to combine but keep a chunky texture.
Unroll the pastry and cut it down the middle lengthways.
Divide the filling mix in half down the middle of each length of pastry.
Mix the yolk and milk in a small bowl and mix with a fork. Brush down one side of the pastry. Roll the pastry over the filling then use the egg wash to seal the edges. Use a fork to crimp the edges.
Cut each length into 6 pieces and put on a lined baking sheet. Brush to top with some egg wash then sprinkle with black onion seeds. Chill for 15 minutes (if you have time – if not just go for it and bake)
Bake for 15- 20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
Allow to stand for 5-10 mins before serving.

Preparing the Perfect Family Picnic

Looking for family picnic ideas? Here are our handy tips for preparing a fantastic family picnic lunch!

Picking the Best Spot

There are so many places you can set up for a picnic, from your nearby park to a day at the beach. Why not combine it with a visit to a local attraction? A playground will keep kids entertained for hours, while choosing somewhere with bathroom facilities is definitely a smart move for a family day out.

Picnic Food Ideas

What would a picnic be without the food and drink? Be sure to bring plenty of water if you are out for the day, and pack light bite-sized snacks that can be shared with all the family. Check out our recipes for some inspiring picnic food ideas!

Preparation

Preparing your food the night before will keep packing for a picnic simple and stress-free. Remember, reusable plates and cutlery are a great environmental alternative to paper, as they can be used again and again.

What to Pack

Why not get any little ones to bring along their soft toys for a real-life teddy bears’ picnic? Otherwise, a picnic blanket, hamper and a cool-box for drinks will keep everyone happy – as will some small change for the ice-cream van!

Be Weather-Wise!

Be prepared for all weathers so you can picnic in comfort come rain or shine! SPF cream and hats are a must when it’s warm, while an umbrella can provide shade in the sun and protection from any April showers.

Fun and Games in The Great Outdoors

Fun and games are even better in the great outdoors: try some of these family friendly activities for a day out everyone will remember!

Teddy Bears’ Picnic

If you go down to the woods today, be sure of a big surprise! Bring along a few favourite soft toys for a real-life teddy bears’ picnic little ones will love.

Family Games

Why not get the whole family involved with traditional games like tag or hide and seek? Bringing along a ball or a skipping-rope can provide hours of fun, while eye-spy is a gentler alternative for grandparents.

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Taking the kids on a scavenger hunt is a great way to teach them about nature! If they enjoy a challenge, make it a competition: who can spot the most different types of plant? Bring some blank paper and a few coloured pens so they can draw their finds – treasured mementos to take home at the end of an adventure-filled day.

Staying Safe!

The outdoors can be so much fun but remember: safety first! Check out your surroundings for any dangers before letting kids run freely, such as ponds, rivers, steep banks, or busy roads.