Tomorrow, after going to the gym, and going to Masons, I'm off to a barbeque at Blarney and Barney's place.
I was told to bring a dessert, or something sweet.
Joy.
I will let you into what my head thinks when I'm told to bring something along. This is my normal self-talk when it comes to bringing things to a barbeque:
- What I make's not going to be good enough.
- I can't buy something at Coles.
- Nobody will like what I make.
- Lemon, vanilla, chocolate - why do people not like the order I put things in?
- I want to go fancy.
- But it's a barbeque.
- I wonder what's in the Coles chiller section.
- I don't have time for this.
- I want to have time for this.
- I am not a natural homemaker, despite my mother's best intentions.
- I've got better things to do.
- I love baking.
- Dammit.
Thankfully, I've talked myself of the ledge.
And yes, this is my normal self-talk when I'm told to bring something and not given clear directions.
Also, I'm a reasonable cook, and known for making desserts. At Christmas, Blarney gives me the job of glazing the ham - something I'd never do with my family as we're seafood and salad people at Christmas - which suits me just fine.
This time, I went simple.
Did you know that Arnotts has brought out a cookbook? Arnotts - The Cookbook is hot off the press. I'm told it's on its second or third printing within the month. The book as all of these Australian standards like Chocolate Ripple Cake (my brother-in-law's staple), slices, upscales, celebrations desserts - you name it - it's in there.
Tim Tim slice sounded just up my alley.
So easy. It's Australian CWA kitchen staples. Two packets of Tim Tams. A can of condensed milk. 100 grams of butter. 200 grams of milk chocolate.
Yes, diabetes in a box.
All you do is grind up one of the packets of Tim Tams, roughly chop the other pack. Over low heat, melt the butter and combine with half of the condensed milk. When the butter and condensed milk is combined, stir that through the blitzed Tim Tams, then add the chopped biscuits. Spread into a greased, lined tin and put in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. When set, on low heat, combine the chocolate and condensed milk until smooth, then spread over the set biscuit base and put it back in the fridge for a few hours.
It was easy. It's finished and sitting in the fridge. The dishes are done. And the questions remain.
- Why did I want to put chopped dried cherries or cranberries in the base?
- Will they like it?
- Can I leave what it's left at Blarney's place?
- If I have to bring it home, will the neighbours like it?
- Why does bringing something to a barbeque/party fill me with such dread.
Also, is there nothing that an Australian woman cannot do with some butter, a packet of biscuits and a can of condensed milk?
On the good side of things, I got to do one of my most favourite activities - licking out the condensed milk tin. It still brings some joy.
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