:: PERFECT PARSNIPS!

OK it's official, Christmas has arrived! And it's only November! I know people give out about the festivities starting earlier each year, but to be honest it doesn't bother me. I'm not afraid to say it, I LOVE CHRISTMAS AND EVERYTHING THAT GOES WITH IT! Partly because of the presents, partly because of the tree, but mainly because there is no other day in the year that the focus is so intensely on FOOD!

For our traditional Christmas dinner at home we have turkey, ham and a great selection of veggies. That selection usually includes these super parsnips! To be honest these have become a regular addition to meals all year round recently and are no longer just spared for Christmas. There just that good!

Perfect Parsnips
Try to select interesting shaped parsnips, they look great when they're roasted. I try and cut the parsnips as thin as possible because when they start to roast in the oven you should end up with tasty crispy ends and thick fleshy pieces.

1kg of parsnips.
3 tablespoons of wholemeal flour.
1 tablespoon of ground black pepper.
1 tablespoon of sea salt.
1 generous handful of Parmesan cheese.
2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Preheat the oven to 200oC/390oF/Gas 6.
Peel the parsnips and chop in half and then slice into four. You may need to slice the chunks in half again depending on what size you want them.  Place the parsnips in a pot and cover with cold water.  Bring the pot to the boil and simmer for 4 minutes.  Rinse with a little cold water and drain the chunks in a colander.
Combine the flour, pepper, and salt in a large bowl.  Tumble the parsnips into the bowl and toss to coat. Place in a large roasting tray, sprinkle over the Parmesan cheese and drizzle with olive oil.  Roast in the oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.