DRINKS WITH SAGE RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Toss the squash in 1 tbsp oil together with the chopped sage. Scatter into a shallow roasting tin and roast for 30 mins until brown and soft.
• While the squash is roasting, prepare the risotto. Bring the stock to the boil and keep on a low simmer. In a separate pan, melt half the butter over a medium heat. Stir in the onions and cook gently for 8-10 mins until soft but not coloured, stirring occasionally. Stir the rice into the onions until completely coated in the butter, then stir continuously until the rice is shiny and the edges of the grain start to look transparent.
• Pour in the wine and simmer until completely evaporated. Add the stock, a ladleful at a time, and stirring the rice over a low heat for 25-30 mins, until the rice is cooked al dente (with a slightly firm, starchy bite in the middle). The risotto should be creamy and slightly soupy.
• At the same time, gently fry the whole sage leaves in a little olive oil until crisp, then set aside on kitchen paper. When the squash is cooked, mash half of it to a rough purée and leave half whole. When the risotto is just done, stir through the purée, then add the cheese and remaining butter and leave to rest for a few minutes. Serve the risotto scattered with the whole chunks of squash and the crisp sage leaves.

Steps:

• Heat the butter and oil in a frying pan. Fry the onion, bay and a pinch of salt gently for 15 mins over a low heat until the onions are softened and translucent. Add the garlic and sage and fry for 1 min. Leave to cool for 10 mins.
• Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Stir the breadcrumbs and beaten egg through the onion mixture. Season to taste. Divide into 12 balls, weighing for accuracy, if you like. Bake on a flat baking sheet lined with parchment for 25-30 mins or until golden brown. Serve as part of a roast dinner.