There’s much debate surrounding the origin of the Pavlova, however from our research the majority of articles believe the dessert began its journey in New Zealand. Nicknamed after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, the people of NZ welcomed her with her very own dessert in the 1920s, although Australia still claim they invented this sweet treat. Whoever invented it, we’re just grateful somebody did! Check out our favourite pav recipe below.
Ingredients
MERINGUE
- 6 large free-range egg whites
- 300g caster sugar
- Pinch of sea salt
PAVLOVA
- 450 g fresh strawberries and raspberries
- 250 ml double cream
- 150 ml natural yoghurt
- 2 tablespoons caster sugar
- 1 vanilla pod or 1tsp of vanilla bean paste
- a few sprigs of fresh mint
- a handful of white chocolate buttons
Method
- Preheat the oven to 150°C/300°F/gas 2. Put your egg whites into a mixing bowl and whisk them at a medium speed until they start to form nice firm peaks.
- With your mixer still running, gradually add the sugar and a pinch of sea salt. Turn the mixer up to the highest setting and whisk for 7 to 8 minutes more until the meringue is white, glossy and smooth. If it feels grainy, whisk for a little bit longer, being careful not to let the meringue collapse.You should be able to tip the bowl upside down without the meringue mix falling out.
- Line two baking trays with baking paper. Separate the meringue mixture evenly between them and shape each mixture into a circle about 20cm in diameter.
- Put both trays into the oven and bake for 1 hour until the meringues look slightly golden and are fluffy in the middle.
- Cut the large strawberries and leave the smaller ones whole. Mix them with the raspberries. Or alternatively you could top your pavlova with other fruit, such as passion fruit and pineapple, for a tropical twist. We also like adding white chocolate buttons for even more of a treat.
- Whip the cream with the sugar until it forms soft peaks, then stir in the yoghurt. Halve the vanilla pod length ways, scrape out the seeds and fold them into the mixture.
- Spoon half the cream mixture on top of one of the meringue halves and smooth it out. Sprinkle half of your berries evenly around the cream mixture. Layer the other meringue on top and press down gently to stick them together.
- Spread the remaining cream mixture over the top layer and sprinkle the remaining berries on top. Pick a few small mint leaves, scatter over and now it’s ready to serve to your guests or cover and refrigerate ready to serve later.
This entry was posted in Recipes on June 18th, 2019 by linnearask
Did you know that having dogs in the office has been shown to boost morale, with employees who come into contact with dogs at work having higher job satisfaction than average? Bringing your dog to work can also reduce stress levels, and stroking a dog can lower both your heart rate and your blood pressure. In the UK, National Take Your Dog to Work Day is celebrated on Friday following Father’s Day. So, if you’ve been given the go-ahead from your workplace, keep reading to make sure your pup’s day at the office goes smoothly.
Is your dog ready?
Bringing your dog to work may seem exciting, but before making concrete plans, be sure to put their needs first and assess whether they’re truly ready. Not all dogs are suited for a full day in the office, and to make sure you both enjoy it, you’ll need to consider a few factors.
First, think about their temperament. If your dog becomes anxious and overwhelmed in new settings, then the buzz of a busy office all day won’t be the best place for them. Or perhaps they love being sociable and exploring new places. That’s a great start, but you should ensure their basic dog training is up to scratch so that they can keep calm and not disrupt your or your colleagues’ day at work.
Preparation is key
If you’ve decided that your dog is workplace-ready, then it’s time to begin thinking about what you’ll need to take with you for the day. If your dog is crate trained, be sure to bring their dog crate along with you. This will offer them somewhere safe, secure, and familiar they can retreat to, should they want some alone time. Similarly, you should pack their dog bed as a reminder of home and a comfy spot for them to get some rest on. Omlet’s Cushion dog bed is ideal for transporting, and with a deep-filled, plump pillow, it’s the perfect combination of practicality and comfort.
Dog water and food bowls are also essential, and don’t forget the treats! Plus, puzzle toys like Kongs are great for keeping your dog occupied while you make a phone call or need to be focusing on work.
How do your colleagues feel?
Even if you’re confident that your dog won’t cause any problems around the office, you might have colleagues who are afraid of or allergic to dogs. It’s your responsibility to speak to people in the workplace to find out any reservations and make accommodations to suit.
Compromise goes a long way
Don’t feel overly pressured to bring your dog in on the day that National Take Your Dog to Work Day falls. It might be a case that you have too many meetings on that day, or you know you’ll be working overtime. If you’ll be unable to meet the needs of your pup then there’s nothing wrong with rearranging. Speak to your colleagues about a better day to suit everyone and their dogs so that the occasion can be as stress-free as possible for everyone.
Make time for walkies
It’s a good idea to get your four-legged friend out on a long dog walk before bringing them to the office. This way, they’ll have had time to exert some of their energy, and should hopefully be okay for a few hours without a toilet break.
During the day, you’ll want to make sure you have time during your lunch break to get your dog out on another walk, plus a few shorter breaks for them to stretch their legs. A walk at lunchtime will benefit you as well as getting some fresh air will improve both your mood and your productivity. Don’t forget a matching designer dog collar and lead set when you’re heading out too, so that you can celebrate the day in style!
What’s your plan B?
You know your dog, but a new environment might cause them to react in a way unlike their usual self. Barking or altercations with other dogs can be stressful for everyone involved (two and four-legged!), so make sure you have a backup plan before the day begins. Perhaps you’re able to take your dog home, or maybe there’s a spare meeting room the two of you can retreat to. Communicate with the organiser of the event to see what options are available.
Also, keep an eye out for any sign that your dog is stressed or anxious. These include panting, licking their lips and yawning to name a few.
Omlet and your dog
Bringing your dog to work can be a great day for both you and your pet but you definitely don’t want them to be a reason your colleagues start to get annoyed with you. Ultimately, preparing your dog and taking full responsibility is key and with the help of Omlet dog products such as dog crates and dog beds, your furry friend’s day out can be made even better.
This entry was posted in Dogs on June 18th, 2019 by linnearask
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