Life's a Stitch

Oopsie - how not to serve Pavlova

Ask C what he wants for his birthday (Father's Day, Easter, Christmas...). His answer is always Pavlova, believing that a quarterly indulgence of sugar and fat won't kill him. Well, I figure if it does, let him go happy. At some point, partners of those with health related diets have to have to throw up their hands in submission.  But that's another post. 

The trouble with Pavlova is that his favourite local source, Sweet Carrie's in Lonsdale Quay Market, has gone out of business. Armed with our favourite Aussie recipe, sugar, eggs and whipped cream I embarked on a surprise that's hard to keep secret when ten minutes of high speed beating are required. It may look like a traditional North American meringue, however the inside of this one is a soft and foamy delight. Follow that recipe and it's a guaranteed success.

Successfully hobbling down the stairs Pavlova in hand, ankle encased in cast, one step away from the spare fridge, off it flew form the pan on its magic carpet of baking parchment. Oopsie. C very happily volunteered to clean it up, spoon in hand.

 

Somehow, I doubt that picture would be used in a cookbook as a serving suggestion.

Tastes like the real thing - Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe

I'm retired and supposedly have all the time in the world. But why spend it in a hot kitchen? My retirement strategy included the decision to do it in summer, and although technically spring, the weather has cooperated beautifully. 

My traditional cabbage roll recipe always turns out well, and this cheaty version may not look as pretty, but it takes a fraction of the time and effort and tastes just as good. Fits into my retirement plans just fine. Maybe I should have routinely done it this way when I was working. Seriously, I'd come home from work and make the long version. Over time I came to realize I used cooking for stress reduction. It's ironic, now that I have the time, the levels of stress are lower and I'm cooking more simply.

Cabbage Roll Casserole:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2 lbs ground beef

1 C chopped onion

2 cloves garlic

3 T olive oil

1/2 C catsup

1 14 oz can tomato sauce

1 can tomato soup

1 can condensed beef broth

2 C hot water

1 C uncooked brown or white rice

1 t dry thyme

1 t dry dill

pepper to taste

3lbs chopped cabbage or 3 bags of chopped cole slaw veggies.

In a Dutch oven or large pot that has a cover, brown the first three ingredients in the olive oil. Drain off any liquid and add all but the cabbage. Bake in covered pot for an hour. Stir in cabbage, replace cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes.

Try it and let me know what you think.