Parsnip, Parmesan and Sage Bread

Ingredients:
-175g. parsnips (peeled weight)
-50g. parmesan cheese, cubed
-1 rounded tablespoon chopped fresh sage
-225g. self-raising flour
-1 1/2 teaspoons salt
-2 large eggs, lightly beaten
-1 tablespoon milk

Topping:
-25g. Parmesan cheese, shaved
-A few sage leaves
-flour for dusting
-1 teaspoon olive oil

You will also need a small solid baking sheet, either well greased or lined with silicone (parchment) paper.

Directions:
-Preheat oven to gas 5/375F/190C.
-Sift flour and salt into a large wide bowl.
-Place a grater over the bowl and grate in the parsnips. Toss.
-Add Parmesan cubes and chopped sage to the flour and parsnip mixture.
-Lightly beat the egg and milk together. Add to the bowl and mix evenly using a palette knife. (You should now have a rather loose, rough, sticky dough so do not worry about the appearance at this stage.)
-Transfer dough to the baking sheet and pat it gently into a 15cm rough round. Make a cross on the top using the blunt side of a knife. Scatter the Parmesan shavings over the surface, then follow with a dusting of flour.
-Spoon the olive oil into a small dish. Dip the whole sage leaves in the oil one at a time and place on top of the dough.
-Put dough in oven on a high shelf and bake for 45-50 mins. until golden and crusty. Cool slightly on a wire rack and serve hot to enjoy!

Audrey