Christmas Rocky Road.

 This is Christmas rocky road because I never make it any other time.  Its great as a small gift to friends at this time of year.

Great cake for a dinner party

This cake is one I saw on a great cooking show,  Good Chef, Bad Chef , I recommend using both almond extract and amaretto (Yum).  I think another good combination would be rose water and vanilla. 

 

You must check the cake with a skewer and make sure it comes out clean, mine takes a little longer than the recipe says.  I also put the juice of a half a lime over the cake when it came out of the oven - make it taste even better.  I also used almond slivers instead of flakes as they are a bit crunchier, seem to match the pistachios better.

 

Its an easy, gluten free cake that tastes wonderful!

 

 

Choc Meringues (like the Burough Markets)

I first saw meringues like these at the Borough Markets, decadent and huge, with chocolate in the cracks, and 2 pounds 50 each!

This is a great way to use up left over egg whites if you have made a spaghetti carbonara.  Just put the egg whites in a glass and cover them with cling film pressed down to make sure there is no air on the egg whites.  You can also use egg whites that are available now in most supermarkets.  Remember the ratio of 1gram egg white to 2 gram caster sugar, and adjust the cornflour and cocoa powder accordingly (its not critical!). 

What is important in this recipie is to follow the whipping and sugar instructions.  If you don't have a microwave, you can heat the sugar in the oven.  Don't hurry these steps!  Oh, and don't forget to turn the oven down.

The meringues don't have to be chocolate, you could use berries.  Serve them with whipped cream and whatever fruit or sauce takes your fancy.  Raspberry Coulis would be nice, but my husband loves fresh passionfruit.

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

This is a Christmas stand by.  If I need to make something sweet in a hurry, this is the one I go to.  It is from the Electric Cooking Recipies sheet from the Sydney County Council, 1984. 

The mixed fruit you use, is up to you, I like cherries on their own, but have used pecans and dried sour cherries.  You can also add some coconut to the mixture if you like.  Use what you enjoy.

Decadent Truffles

A favourite at Christmas time, I know this comes from Tuesday October 31st, 1994, as there is a Reuters release on the back of the recipie about Senna and Prost. 

You can finish the truffles with cocoa powder, diced candied ginger, coconut, grated chocolate or simply melted chocolate with a little nut oil in it.

Addictive Fudge

I have made this many times to take to friends at work at Christmas time.  Beware, it is addictive and will give you a headache if you eat too much.  Originally this was made with no nuts in it, but I always add a packet of pecans and package it up in little noodle boxes with a ribbon.

 

Coconut Ice

Coconut Ice was made for every school cake stall, and one of the first things to be sold.  This recipie can be made and stored in the fridge for up to 1 month.  it comes from the Australian Womens Weekly of August 1986.

It does not say how to prepare the tin, but I think you would need to line it with foil or baking paper.