A food expert has revealed a remarkably simple trick to elevate the flavour of the classic Christmas side dish, pigs in blankets. According to the advice, adding just one sticky ingredient can transform this festive staple into an even more delicious highlight of your holiday meal.
The Expert's Secret to a Flavour Boost
Mimi Morley, the Senior Recipe Development Manager at HelloFresh, has shared her straightforward method for perfecting the dish. With the recipe box company boasting thousands of social media followers, Morley's culinary tips carry considerable weight. Her central piece of advice focuses on creating the perfect glaze to complement the salty, savoury notes of the sausage and bacon.
"The saltiness of a pig in a blanket pairs very well with a sweet element," Morley explained. "My favourite glaze is a fig jam. Just add a spoonful to the pigs once they've finished cooking and mix to coat."
Why Fig Jam Works Wonders
For those unfamiliar, fig jam is a versatile condiment often found on cheese boards but is brilliantly suited to grilled and roasted meats. Its deep, honey-like sweetness provides an ideal counterbalance to the rich pork. While fresh figs peak in late summer and autumn, making jam is a popular preservation method, allowing its flavour to be enjoyed throughout winter, making it a perfect festive cupboard staple.
Morley also offered a handy alternative for those without fig jam to hand. "If you want to go with something you might already have in your cupboard, honey and wholegrain mustard is a great option. Use equal parts and glaze at the end too!"
How to Apply the Glaze for Best Results
There are several easy methods to incorporate this flavour-enhancing tip into your Christmas cooking. You can brush the pigs in blankets with a little diluted fig jam about ten minutes before they finish baking, which creates a delightful sticky, caramelised coating.
Alternatively, you can simply toss the cooked items in the jam once they're out of the oven. For a more interactive dining experience, serve the cooked pigs in blankets with a small pot of fig jam on the side for dipping, allowing each guest to tailor the sweetness to their own taste.
This simple piece of advice could make a significant difference to your Christmas dinner spread. Pigs in blankets have been a fixture on British festive plates for decades, surging in popularity after featuring in Delia Smith's 1990s Christmas cookbook before becoming a supermarket staple. Whether you buy them ready-made or prepare them from scratch, this effortless glaze promises to be a game-changer your guests are sure to notice and compliment.
