Fresh Juice Cocktail

On Australia Day this year, as we were both not drinking alcohol, we decided we would try making some fresh juices as a fun and healthy alternative!

This recipe has become one of our favourites.  As we don’t have a juicer, we just use our blender and add some soda water and ice to increase the liquid content (as there’s still so much fibre left with blending, it’s a good idea to add either some extra juice, ice or soda water).

For this one, we added fresh apples, pears, lemon juice, lime juice, ginger, soda water and ice.  Easy and very refreshing!

Pavlova – Donna Hay (As seen on Masterchef)

Fluffy White Pavlova

As seen on Masterchef Australia – Created by Donna Hay

Poppit –  
We are loving Masterchef Australia at the moment!  As we were already on a roll with our cooking adventures in the kitchen, the newly started 2010 series is great to catch new ideas and fresh inspiration.  Something I have always wanted to try but just never have is the all-time Australian classic, the Pavlova!
Last week, Donna Hay was a guest on the show and this favourite dessert was used in the pressure test.  It looked glossy-white and was perfectly shaped.  After making my own, I now know what people mean about pav’s cracking and sinking but seriously, with a bit of patience, this can be quite a simple dessert to make.

My tips:
– Make sure the egg whites are forming peaks before adding the sugar.
– Very slowly add the sugar to the egg mixture while beating.
– When assembling on the tray, don’t flatten or pat the mixture down (as I learnt!).  My Women’s Weekly recipe book gives more detailed instructions than the Masterchef one and says that you should shape the mixture up and in towards the centre, like a mound and to make furrows up side of meringue using spatula.

Otherwise, that’s about it!  As you can see from my photos, it didn’t turn out perfect but I have definitely learnt that you have to shape it up and higher for next time.  It tasted just fine though and was a huge hit with our family.  Have a delicious filling prepared for when your Pavlova has fully cooled in the oven and is ready to serve.  I chose fresh strawberries, kiwifruit, passion fruit and whipped cream.  Yumm!!

Recipe found at: http://www.masterchef.com.au/recipe-donna-hay-pavlova.htm