July 2016 Entries

There is a Nigella Pavlova for every occasion - I made the Cappuccino Pavlova for my 93 year old Nona on Mother’s Day and previously the Chocolate Raspberry Pavlova for Easter. Nigella’s Lemon Pavlova made its first appearance last Christmas - yet it need not only be for Christmas, or even just a special occasion for that matter - the lemony aroma that permeates the kitchen lends itself to reason enough! Though I did take inspiration from my Christmas and Easter creations for this cookalong and made it a "Lemon and White Chocolate Pavlova", by adding chopped white chocolate at the folding stage for the promise of extra gratification in the marshmallowy meringue. I simply used a jar of my favourite locally made lemon curd, from Margaret River Western Australia and topped it serenely with a soft cloud of cream, indulgently more white chocolate pieces and toasted coconut flakes (my essential crunch - nut allergy - substitution to almonds). For a finishing touch and harmonious to lemon, I added the option of blueberries and my Grandma’s fresh mint. As my baking attempts always bring her joy, I took some of this one to my Nona too, to which she momentarily looked up at my Mother and simply said “she is a genius”. Although I chose to believe she was lovingly referring to me, I think I must mostly credit the “she” to Nigella on this one!