Ingredients

• 600g/1lb 4oz cocktail sausages
• 1 tbsp goose fat, lard or vegetable oil
• 2 x 100g/4oz Parma ham

These pigs in blankets are a classic staple of Christmas dinner, and the beauty of them is that they are so quick to prepare they can just be left to cook in the oven while you get on with other things.

This recipe is designed for a Christmas gathering so serves 10 to 12 people. If you want to serve them as part of Sunday lunch simply reduce the amount to suit.

These also make a great party food and can be served as Christmas eve or New Year's eve parties. They are also great cold or reheated and if you have any leftovers after Christmas dinner can be eaten as part of a Boxing Day meal.

Heat the oven to 350F/180C/gas mark 4.

Smear a baking tray with goose fat.

Roll the sausages through the fat, roast for 40 minutes, turning half way through, until golden and cooked through. Allow to cool.

Working on one slice at a time, cut across the ham to make 4 pieces.

Roll the sausages in the ham and arrange, join underneath.

Roast at 400F/200C/gas mark 6 for 15 minutes until the ham is crisp.