Walnut & Mushroom Pate – for Christmas

This moreish appetiser is the perfect way to start any Christmas meal. Each time I serve this pate, I love watching my guests try to guess what’s in the pate to give it such a creamy taste and texture.
Serves 6-8

Ingredients

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 celery stick, chopped
• 2 Tab extra virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 100g button mushrooms, finely sliced
• 50g walnuts, chopped
• 175g cashews, finely ground
• 1 egg, beaten
• A good pinch of paprika
• A good pinch of dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper
• 4 wholemeal pita bread, cut into triangles

  Step 1.
  In a large frying pan add a little olive oil, onions, celery, garlic and mushroom, and cook for 5-10 minutes, until brown.

  Step 2.
  Remove from the heat and stir in the walnuts, ground cashews, egg, paprika and thyme. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spoon into a ramekin and allow to cool.

  Step 3.
  Preheat the oven to 200C. Place the pita on a baking tray and toast until brown.

  Step 4.
  Serve the walnut pate with the pita on the side.