Pie fit for summer.

Now that the sun is shining and things are warming up, I've been inspired to cook something a bit summery to suit the weather. I normally end up thinking about what I want to cook, while at work, when I know that I have the evening off. This time wasn't any different, so while busy with working I managed to come up with this recipe. Obviously it changed a bit here and there whilst cooking when I realised one or two of the ingredients had past their best without me noticing (this happens more often than I care to admit.)

The main event was some filo pastry that I had in the freezer and some vegetables and cheese going equally soft in the fridge. I wanted something a bit lighter than a normal pie but with the same satisfaction in the eating. It didn't disappoint. Feel free to mix up the veggies and/or cheese, its a great recipe to experiment with. You can even add in some cooked meat too, it's such a versatile dish. Perfect for a midweek treat, lunch or veggie dinner party. 

Spinach, mushroom and goats cheese parcel

Serves 2

2 onions, sliced

a handful of mushrooms

2 tbsp sherry vinegar

2 tbsp honey

1 tsp dried thyme

1 big bag of fresh spinach

2 slices of goats cheese

6 sheets of filo pastry

Start by frying off the onions with some salt (this speeds up the caramelising process) until they start to go golden and soft. Next add in the mushrooms and cook for a couple of minutes. Add the sherry vinegar and honey and keep frying until you have a nice soft and sweet mix. Stir in the thyme and then add all the spinach until it wilts down. Take off the heat and allow to cool down, after stirring through some black pepper. 

Take the filo pastry and cut the sheet in half. Get a tray ready with some baking paper and melt down some butter. Place two of the halves on the baking tray, side by side. Brush some of the melted butter on each and then place another filo half on top in the other direction so you have an X shape. repeat until you have used all the pastry halves. 

Next, divide the vegetable mix and place in the middle of the pastry. Break up the goats cheese and place on top. 

Butter the edges of the pastry and gather them up so it ends up looking like a money bag. 

Bake in a 180 degree oven for 10-15 minutes until golden. Serve with a nice green salad.