It is no secret that grandmothers put a little extra love into their cooking (along with some secret ingredients that somehow perform magic tricks). I am fortunate enough to live with my maternal grandmother, Jill, who has blessed me with many home-cooked meals throughout my life. This has been a blessing not only for my family and me but also for many others she kindly cooks for, including the local mechanics and the Velocity Financial Office.

As we settle deeper into another gloomy Wellington winter, things inevitably feel a little bleak, both literally and figuratively! Nana's baking is the fastest cure for any winter-related blues in our office. In honour of the colder months, I decided to ask her for her favourite winter comfort recipe, and she did not disappoint!

Nana Jill's Southland Cheese Rolls:

"Hi Bella, I have been thinking about food (I often do!) and have decided that this is my favorite COMFORT FOOD; it has FAT, SALT, and CARBOHYDRATE, what more can you wish for? (Except perhaps sugar, but then the carbs convert to sugar anyway!)"

You will need:

• 1 can of evaporated milk (35ml) (not the low-fat version!)

• Packet of Maggi Onion Soup mix

• 1 tsp Mustard Powder

• 2 cups of tasty, grated cheese

• Half a cup of finely diced onion

• 1 loaf of white sandwich bread

• 150g melted butter

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

• Line an oven tray with baking paper.

• Place all the ingredients (except bread and butter, of course!) in a saucepan and stir over medium heat until the mixture thickens and cools.

• Spread the cooled mixture on each slice of bread with a spatula. (Don't make the spread too thick, or the mixture will ooze out when baking!)

• The mixture is enough to do the whole loaf of bread.

• Roll up each slice and put them on the baking tray. Brush with melted butter (be GENEROUS with the melted butter.)

• Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

• Cool a little before eating as the filling can be very hot. (I always skip this step and burn my mouth, every single time!!)

• Some people cut off the crusts after rolling up, but I think this is unnecessary and pretty wasteful!

• These can be prepared and put in the freezer, and then you can just use however many you want when you want!

Bella and Jill.

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