Swede and parsnip bake

A dish that can be made ahead then chilled or frozen - useful for Christmas planning

Ingredients

• Ingredients

1 medium swede (about 600g), peeled and cut into chunks

• 500.0g parsnips , peeled and cut into chunks
• 25.0g butter , plus a little extra
• 4.0 tbsp golden syrup
• 200.0g fresh breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs , lightly beaten
• 1.0 tbsp olive oil
• 2 thyme sprigs, leaves stripped

Method

1) Bring a large pan of water to the boil, and add the swede chunks. Boil for 3 mins, then add the parsnips and boil the lot for 12 mins more or until tender. Drain well, then tip both together into a pan or bowl and mash well with the butter. Stir in the golden syrup, three-quarters of the breadcrumbs and the eggs with plenty of seasoning. Transfer to a baking dish and smooth the surface. Toss the remaining breadcrumbs with the oil, seasoning and thyme leaves, then scatter over the mash. Dot with a few knobs of butter. The dish can now be covered and chilled for up to 48 hrs, or frozen for up to a month - defrost completely before baking.

2) To serve, heat oven to 200C/180C fan/ gas 6 and bake for 40 mins or until piping hot and the crumbs are crisp.