Well done to Walton’s Niki Behjou, whose gluten-free brownies won a Gold Certificate in the Free From Christmas 2025 awards.
Niki launched her GF bakery stall in March this year, selling cakes, savouries at Walton Leigh School market every Sunday. NikiBakes is at Walton Leigh School market every Sunday, 7am-noon or contact Niki for details on more December markets at nikibakes.uk or @nikibakes_uk_.
sgp
Turkish Spiced Sausage Rolls (GF) – A Christmas Appetiser
Prep: 15 min | Bake: 25 min | Yields: 12-16 Rolls
Ditch the bland mini sausage rolls this year! These vibrant, gluten-free appetisers feature lean turkey mince richly seasoned with warm Turkish spices, all wrapped in flaky GF puff pastry. They bring bold flavours and easy elegance to your Christmas party platter.
Ingredients
- 1 package Gluten-Free Puff Pastry (ready-rolled)
- 450g (1 lb) Lean Turkey Mince
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin
- 1 tsp Dried Mint or Oregano
- 2 tsps Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of Garlic, minced
- 1 large Egg (plus 1 yolk for brushing)
- Salt & Black Pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp Nigella Seeds (for a sophisticated holiday garnish)
The Method
- Prep the Festive Tray: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment. Unroll the Gluten-Free Puff Pastry.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the turkey mince, smoked paprika, cumin, dried mint, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and the single beaten egg. Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix by hand until completely incorporated.
- Form and Seal: Cut the pastry sheet lengthwise into two equal rectangles. Divide the meat filling into two portions. Shape each portion into a tight sausage log along the long edge of each pastry rectangle. Prepare the egg wash (yolk + splash of water) and brush the far edge of the pastry. Roll the pastry over the meat to seal, ensuring the seam rests underneath.
- Finish the Rolls: Cut each log into 6-8 smaller, individual rolls. Place them seam-side down on the prepared sheet. Brush the tops generously with the egg wash and sprinkle with Nigella Seeds.
- Bake: Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Serve warm with the cooling dip below.
Complementary Cranberry Yoghurt Dip
This easy, tangy dip adds a refreshing, colourful element, perfectly cutting through the rich spice of the Turkish rolls.
Ingredients
- 150g Thick Natural Yoghurt (Greek-style is ideal)
- 3 tbsp Cranberry Sauce (smooth or chunky)
- 1 tsp Honey or Maple Syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Lemon Zest
- A pinch of Salt
Method
- In a small bowl, simply combine the yoghurt, cranberry sauce, honey (or maple syrup), lemon zest, and salt.
- Stir well until the ingredients are fully blended and the dip has a lovely pink colour.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavours to marry.
