Homestyle Sausage and Tomato Slice: A Heartfelt Recipe

Greetings to all fellow cooking and baking enthusiasts! As a first-time contributor, I come with a passion for the culinary arts and a deep appreciation for traditional, old-school cooking. It's wonderful to connect with this welcoming community (I hope you're as friendly as you sound!). Recently, I whipped up a batch of my husband's all-time favorite dish, the beloved Sausage and Tomato Slice. It's a recipe that exudes comfort and nostalgia, and I'm thrilled to share it with all of you.

Sausage and Tomato Slice Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 12 oz plain flour
• 6 oz butter
• Pinch of salt
• Cold water (to bind)
• 10 or so sausages (partially oven-cooked and patted dry)
• Half tin of tomatoes
• Half tube of tomato puree

Instructions:

1. Dough Preparation:
   • Begin by blending 12 oz of plain flour with 6 oz of butter and a pinch of salt. Combine the components by rubbing them until they create a crumbly texture. Bind the mixture with COLD water, making sure not to overwork it.
2. Prepping the Tray:
   • Grease and flour a 12in x 8in tray. Roll out the dough and line the tray with about 2/3 of the rolled-out dough, reserving the rest for the lid.
3. Pre-Cooking Sausages:
   • Par-cook approximately 10 sausages. Once cooked, pat them dry to remove any excess moisture.
4. Tomato Base:
   • Combine half a tin of tomatoes with half a tube of tomato puree, mashing them together to create a flavorful tomato mixture. Spread this mixture evenly onto the pastry-lined tray.
   • 
5. Assembling the Slice:
   • Slice the pre-cooked sausages and arrange them on top of the tomato mixture, placing them skin-side down. This layout adds a delightful visual appeal to the dish.
6. Finishing Touch:
   • Give the dish a beautiful golden finish by brushing the exposed pastry with an egg wash. While some may choose to blind bake the base for a crispier texture, I've found success without doing so.
7. Baking Time:
   • Bake the Sausage and Tomato Slice in a preheated oven at Gas Mark 4 (around 180°C or 350°F) for approximately 50 minutes. This will allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

A Taste of Tradition:

With every slice of this Sausage and Tomato delight, you're savoring a piece of tradition and nostalgia. This dish encapsulates the essence of old-school cooking, bringing warmth and comfort to the table. The combination of sausage, tomato, and flaky pastry is a testament to the culinary gems that stand the test of time.

As I take my first step into this wonderful community, I bring with me a time-honored recipe that holds a special place in my heart. I hope you'll enjoy creating and savoring this Sausage and Tomato Slice as much as my family does. With open arms and an open heart, I'm excited to be a part of this friendly group that shares the love for all things delicious and nostalgic. Here's to many more shared recipes, heartwarming moments, and culinary adventures ahead!