House full of blokes

Cheese rolls are a South Island favourite and a great freezer standby to go with soup over winter. The boys cook up a serving in the sandwich press as a quick and tasty afternoon snack - they love them with tomato soup.  This is a pretty classic recipe - some officianados would quibble that there should also be a finely chopped onion, mustard and fresh cream added - but this version goes down a treat at my house and is very quick and simple. Ingredients - makes 42 1 can evaporated milk 1 sachet onion soup mix (if you can't get this use a couple of teaspoons of onion stock powder) 500g grated cheese (mild or tasty cheddar) 2 loaves white or wholemeal thin sliced bread.  Method Place evaporated milk, soup mix and cheese in a pan or microwave proof container.  Stir to mix well.  Heat for 2 minutes on high in the microwave or over a medium heat on the stove top until the cheese is starting to get melty and it looks like a lumpy, milky mixture. 

We love pies and chicken pies are totally awesome. I bought some individual pie tins, classic oval shape and the size you buy at the petrol station or local dairy and I have really enjoyed making, eating and filling my freezer with pies. Chicken is probably my fave - lummox number 3 informs me that pulled pork with black beans is his fave - but that is another story... Ingredients - to make 8 pies 1x pack savoury short crust pastry 1x pack flaky puff pastry The blocks give the best result - but if you get pre-rolled sheets you will need 4 of each.  6-8 skinless chicken thighs 1 leek chopped into 1cm chunks 4 rashers streaky bacon 1/2 cup 1cm diced mushrooms (button or portobello) 50g butter 1/4 cup plain flour 1 cup milk 1 cup chicken stock (use juices from cooking the chicken and top up if needed) Dried or fresh herbs if your choice - I used an Italian dried mix and a large handful of chopped fresh parsley.  1 egg lightly beaten to glaze.  Method