Wednesday, June 27

The Bring-a-Plate Tradition


We've all had a good giggle over stories of non-Aussies turning up to the local hoedown carrying an actual plate with nothing on it. 
A mistake you'd only make once I imagine!

Being a country girl, the "bring-a-plate" tradition is very close to my heart and always honoured with something delicious whipped up in my kitchen. 
None of this stopping at Woolies on the way home from work to pick up a tray of lamingtons - now that would be sacrilegious!

This lovely quote from Alexa Johnston sums up the feeling beautifully:
"By embarking on baking we link into an honourable tradition that stretches back to our grandmothers and great-grandmothers and great-great grandmothers who filled countless plates with tempting treats for afternoon teas and suppers all across the land."
For me, nothing beats the NO BAKE SLICE for a time-poor domestic-goddess-wanna-be such as I. 
Easy.
Fast.
Scrummy.
And my plates always come home empty (sorry, now I'm boasting!)

I have a nice little collection of these recipes on rotation and I'd love to share a few with you...... 

CHOC PEANUT BUTTER SLICE
In a saucepan gently heat 125g butter, 1/2 cup caster sugar, 1/3 cup maple or golden syrup and 1/3 cup crunchy peanut butter until sugar dissolves. Stirring, bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 mins until nice and frothy. Stir in 4 cups Cornflakes. Press into lined slice tin. Chill for 30 mins.
Top with 350g good eating chocolate, melted.


LEMON COCONUT SLICE
Whizz up 2 x 200g packets sweet plain biscuits in food processor (I like to use Paradise Rich Shortbread). Place in mixing bowl and add 1 cup shredded coconut, 1/4 cup lemon juice, a teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest, 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk and 175g butter (melted). Mix well and press into lined slice tin.
For the icing - combine 1 1/2 cups icing mixture, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 25g butter (melted). Spread over slice with a metal spatula or knife dipped in hot water.
Refrigerate until firm.


MICROWAVE FUDGE
I ADORE this recipe - you can personalise it to your audience, it's not overly sweet, has a lovely smooth slightly chewy texture and it is literally done in less than 10 minutes. A winner with young and old!

Grab a BIG bowl - please hear me when I say, you're gonna want the biggest microwave proof bowl you own cos this mixture will froth up like some weird science experiment.
Tip in a tin of sweetened condensed milk. Microwave on HIGH for 4 minutes.
While the microwave is doing it's thing, break up a family block of chocolate (whatever kind you please) and chop up 90g of butter into cubes.
Add the choc and the butter to the hot frothy milk and mix quickly until smooth and shiny.
Now you can get creative and mix through any delight you choose - chopped nuts, choc chips, marshmallow, honeycomb, lollies - go wild!
Plop into a slice tin lined with foil, gently press flat and chill until set.
For kids parties I like to leave the mixture plain then once in the tin I press mini M&M's over the surface (like I did for Mia's Rainbow Party). So colourful and the kids love it!

OK I've shown you mine, now I'd love to know....what's YOUR go-to recipe for those times you're called upon to "bring-a-plate"?

6 comments:

  1. Those recipes sound yummy. You didn't get those from your Mum!
    I used to make heaps of another choc topped slice also Janet's biscuits (because Janet gave me the recipe) for the school lunches. Been a while since I have done that.
    I might go look for some recipes now you have inspired me. x

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    Replies
    1. I remember something about that slice - it had coconut in it? It was yummy. I also loved the butterscotch slice you would do (so sweet!) I have Janet's bicky recipe from you - now that's one to treasure.

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  2. Mine would have to be peppermint slice which is actually a chocolate truffles recipe that I reduce the cocoa in and add a good handful of crushed Allens XXX mints with a hint of peppermint essence. I roll them into long rolls instead of balls and then into coconut to coat and slice it once cold and solid. Kids love it and so do the rest of the family.
    My second would be banana cake.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Melissa! How are you? Oooo that sounds so yum. What a great idea!
      Banana cake is a great standby too - I like to whip one up any time I have bananas that need using - and keep it in the fridge for unexpected morning teas.

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  3. Oh yum! I'll have to try the choc peanut butter one. It looks delish. My sister makes the lemon one and I love it sooo much. Bring a plate is such a lovely tradition, isn't it? I so hope it never dies. Woolies just doesn't compare! x

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  4. I hope you try it Kim! I describe this recipe as a mix of two of my fave treats: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Honey Joys! Yummo!

    The Lemon one is a classic too - lots of people have the recipe.

    Thanks for your lovely comment! x

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Thanks for leaving some love! Penny x

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