This elevated take on Scotch eggs is perfect for posh picnics and light lunches this summer

Love a Scotch egg? These mini lamb and egg pies offer an interesting twist on the classic picnic recipe, using lamb, instead of pork, quail instead of chicken eggs, and pastry in place of a crumb coating.

Serve with pickles and relishes, or a summer salad for an easy and satisfying picnic idea that will create conversation amongst the crowd.

Ingredients (makes 12)

• 12 quail eggs
• 1 lb good-quality lamb sausages (remove from casings if needed)
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 sheet (about 16 oz) ready-made all-butter shortcrust pastry
• All-purpose flour, for dusting
• 1 egg, beaten, for glazing
• Handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• Handful fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional if already in sausages)
• Sesame seeds, for sprinkling

The Homes & Gardens method

1. Cook the quail eggs: Lower the eggs into a small pan of gently simmering water and cook for 2 minutes. Remove and cool in cold water, then peel the shells off.
2. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, mix together the lamb sausage meat, green onions, herbs, and chili flakes (if using). Set aside.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll out the pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out 12 rounds (3.5-inch diameter) to fit a standard 12-cup muffin tin, and 12 smaller rounds (about 2.75 inches) for the tops.
4. Assemble the pies: Line the muffin cups with the larger pastry rounds. Half-fill each with the sausage mixture, press in a quail egg, then top with another spoonful of sausage mix. Brush edges with beaten egg, cover with the smaller pastry rounds.
5. Seal and bake: Press the edges with a fork to seal. Cut a small hole in the top of each pie, brush tops with beaten egg, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Cool: Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

We love that you can make these mini pies in a muffin tin. If you don't already own one or need to upgrade yours, we recommend this OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro 12 Cup Muffin Pan from Amazon, which has a superior non-stick coating that will prevent those pies getting stuck and your hard work going to waste.