Thank-you to everyone who have been sending requests for information! Lovely to hear from you. 0:)
Two requests first.
One of my American cast members would like to know how to make an Australian/New Zealand style pavlova if you are cooking in the U.S. Well, from personal experience, I can tell you it's not easy! Chickens are fed a different diet in the U.S. so eggs do not react in the same way as they do when coming from Aussie/Kiwi chooks!
An Aussie friend of mine who currently lives in the U.S., became so frustrated with this, she used to get friends and relatives to send her the Australian White Wings Pavlova Magic to make sure it works when she needs it to.
Edmonds is the New Zealand version.
Having said all of that, a pavlova is basically a meringue mix. It can be temperamental and there is a reason you learn how to make it from your mothers and grandmothers! So be patient and make sure the sugar is completely dissolved in the egg whites, ensure there is NO yolk in the white at all, let it cool properly and handle the completed pavlova like it is the most precious thing you own; it's delicate!
And even if it does crack or shatter, who cares? Cover it with cream and fruit. As long as the sugar has been properly dissolved during mixing (it will be gritty otherwise), it will still taste fine.
Here's a basic pavlova recipe for you to practice with. It's worth persevering and practicing getting the recipe right because there truly is nothing like it! 0:)
Now for the Aussies & Kiwis.
You asked for the American Thanksgiving and celebration dish Ambrosia.
Easiest thing to make in the world but SO GOOD! Every family has their own traditional way of making it, alongside their recipes for honey sweet potatoes or green beans/almonds/bacon and other Thanksgiving accompaniments.
Just as Aussies and New Zealanders dispute who invented the Pavlova, Americans argue over whether Ambrosia is a salad or a dessert; I say both!
Check out this version at the Spend With Pennies website.
But getting back to that argument of who invented the Pavlova; was it Australia or New Zealand? I'm content to allow the Kiwis to claim the Pavlova but the Peach Melba is all Australia's! Not because we invented it but because it was invented to honour our own Dame Nellie Melba: Reflected glory I agree but nobody can argue her town of origin (my hometown of Melbourne). 0:)
Another question which came in was how do I relax when I work as a Senior Executive News Producer, Director and Investigative Journalist for the world courts, the U.N. and ViacomCBS? Doesn't listening to the bad news all the time get too much?
Yes. It does. It can.
For those feeling stressed at the moment, I can suggest a couple of immediate de-stressors I use myself.
Walking is great! 0:)
Beyond that, I can highly recommend some relaxing music and soft lighting, alongside a bubble bath or soaking in the bath using bath salts or bath oil. Home-made or store bought. i.e. Radox.
If you don't have a bathtub, get yourself one of those luxuriously decadent shower gels then follow that up with a self-massage, using a scented moisturizer. Regardless of who you are, this feels good!
Climb into freshly laundered pyjamas, wrap yourself in a fluffy dressing gown, don your cosy slippers and watch whatever you want on your Media of choice or even better, read a good book with relaxing music playing in the background!
Beyond that, I can strongly recommend losing yourself in a book of puzzles.
One more detail, switch off your computer before you do any of that and forget about it for awhile. 0:)
Enjoy your weekend!
Ellen 0:)
Ellen F. Walker
No comments:
Post a Comment