New Zealand! Thank you to everyone that participated in the poll. It was fun and we’re definitely excited about New Zealand (which won by a landslide). As we began our recipe search we learned several things about this country down under. One of the most fun facts – especially to the kids – is that New Zealanders refer to themselves as Kiwis. Mr. N and Miss A both thought this was great and are excited to include kiwis in one of our recipes. We also learned that New Zealand is best known for its lamb dishes even though chicken is the most consumed meat. And finally, much to dad’s dismay they grow and eat a lot of kumara (sweet potatoes). As for today’s meal we selected the Sausage Roll – a popular snack made in a variety of ways – and Curried Kumara with Roasted Cashews.

We began with roasting cashews, boiling the water and prepping the kumara. Next we began the sausage prep. I squeezed the meat out of the skins. The kids were both fascinated with this process (and a little grossed out). Mr. N started out by measuring and adding the bread crumbs (notice Miss A on the kitchen table again unbeknownst to us at the time).

Then Mr. N and Miss A mixed the bread crumbs and the pesto into the sausage. (This is one of the few moments today they weren’t arguing…one of those days.)

Once the sausage was mixed with the other ingredients, Miss A and dad rolled out the sausages.

Mr. N separated the biscuits and then he and I wrapped them around the sausages.

Next we basted each roll with an egg wash, sprinkled them with parmesan and then baked them for about 35 minutes. In the meantime, we also boiled the kumara, sauted the onion with curry and then mixed the kumara, onions and cashews together.

We served the kumara, which smelled delicious (could it be I’m beginning to like curry?!), with the sausage rolls. We also used a little marinara for dipping the sausage rolls. I’m not sure how “Kiwi” that is, but it sounded good to us. This turned out to be a fantastic lunch. Everyone, except Miss A who decided she was just ready for nap , enjoyed the meal. Even dad “sort of” liked the kumara (this is HUGE for him). So the verdict for our first adventure to New Zealand – Dad and Mr. N both gave the kumara 2 spoons and the sausage rolls 3 spoons. Mom considers this a win since they both actually ate some sweet potato. As for me, I gave the kumara 4 spoons (I could eat this dish over and over again!) and the sausage roll 3 spoons. Miss A…well she fell asleep and will have hers for lunch tomorrow; although I’m not optimistic. So thanks again for voting – New Zealand is a definite winner!

Print these recipes: Curried Kumara with Roasted Cashews and Sausage Roll Spirals