Last Minute Preparations, Regifting & Pavlova Disasters

My Mum is a very practical woman. She is always prepared for every eventuality. When it comes to pavlova making, this involves having a backup plan:

I did not think we'd need it. We have made Margaret Fulton's pavlova recipe several times. We have also tried other pav recipes, and have always returned to trusty Marg's. Last night we had a pre-Xmas-eve dinner and we offered to make the pavlova.

Unfortunately, before I had even set foot in the kitchen, Mum managed to mix the whites and yolks of not one, but three eggs. This did not leave enough whites to make the pavlova. We could either go back to the crazy busy supermarket to acquire more eggs, or use the boring emergency Coles base. We opted for the latter. Mum has never done this before, but now I think I am going to buy her one of these:

Ceramic chic egg separator

Or even one from the $2 shop made out of white plastic. If it means proper pavlova bases, it is a necessity.

The good thing about using a Coles pavlova base is that it takes about 5 minutes to make the pavlova. All you need to do is whip up some cream, and place some fruit. The finished product looked like this:

Not too shabby, although you can taste the non-homemade-ness of the base.

It was also time for some last minute re-gifting of Christmas gifts. I have already eaten way too many chocolates and biscuits - we always seem to be given food gifts. These elaborate boquets are an exception:

Apart from weddings/functions, I think this type of thing is excessive - I'd be just as happy with a lovely $20-30 bunch. And spend the rest on fashion :-) or a gift voucher for me! But hey, I'm not complaining. Gifts are gifts!

These choccies, wine and bikkies all went bye bye to neighbours, gardeners, even the postman. Spreading Christmas cheer is even better when it saves your own waistline:

Merry Christmas all, have a wonderful night if you celebrate Christmas eve! :)