Stuffed pigs in blankets

Method

1. Heat the oven to 200ºC/180ºC fan/gas 6. Heat the butter in a small frying pan, then add the shallots. Stir-fry for 8-10 minutes until soft but not coloured. Add the nuts and cook for briefly until pale golden. Remove the mixture to a plate to cool.
2. Combine the shallots and nuts with the herbs and sausagemeat in a mixing bowl. Season. Divide the mixture into 16 equal balls, then shape each into a fat square and set aside. Cut a pancetta (or thinned bacon) strip in half, then lay in a cross on your work surface. Put a sausagemeat square in the centre and fold the pancetta/bacon over to enclose. Repeat with the rest.
3. Put the assembled pigs in blankets in a lightly oiled baking tray, seam-side down. Roast for 30 minutes, brushing lightly with the maple syrup halfway through, until the pancetta is crisp and the stuffing is cooked. Serve hot.