Festive Classics

For those wanting a distinctly local feast these holidays, author and The Hits radio host Stacey Morrison turns her hand to another Pams Christmas Menu — one that celebrates three classic New Zealand dishes

Ithink it is safe to say that Christmas is in full swing! Our Christmas tree has bloomed — that’s the Pōhutukawa that stands behind our house — and we have had our first family group chat about the big day; who is doing what, who is gifting who and most importantly, what’s on the menu. With many contributors to the Christmas meals we’ve made sure we all do something different, after we learned the hard way that if left to our own devices we will end up with five chickens! But this year I think I’ve found the showstopper dishes I can contribute that are surprisingly easy to make.

Being summer, our Christmas day is always bursting with colour (and I like to dress in reds or greens too, cheesy but true) and it’s a wonderful opportunity to serve up dishes that complement the festivities. The team at Pams have embraced the summer season and translated it into their festive menu, starting with a gorgeous couscous salad peppered with juicy pomegranate seeds, mouth-watering oranges and pops of mint — quite literally a visual feast. The additional element of lightly pickled red onions elevated this dish in a delightful (and easy!) way. To accompany the salad, and steer away from the traditional ham or beef, it was refreshing to present a succulent chicken dish brimming with fresh flavours of roasted carrots, caramelised wedges of red onion, great dollops of wholegrain mustard and slices of orange – a perfect marriage of salad and main, and a dish that fits with our summery Christmas.

I must admit to doing a double take when reading the dessert recipe; Pavlova Ambrosia. A stroke of genius! My kids’ eyes light up at ambrosia in any form, and the pre-made Pams Pavlova, which tastes and looks like I lovingly prepared it myself, made the construction of this dessert effortless. And topped with all those jewel- like summer berries, this dessert was a little masterpiece. The additional theatrics of the white chocolate lace were a moment of culinary excellence. Bravo Pams! I’m coming back for seconds!

For all these recipes and more festive inspiration head to Viva.co. nz/ Pams

Pavlova Ambrosia

Prep time: 20 minutes + cooling time Cook time: None

Makes: 10 servings

Ingredients

½ packet Pams White Chocolate Buttons 1 large Pams Pavlova

300ml Pams Cream

½ cup plain yoghurt

2 punnets of fresh berries

½ packet Pams Festive Mallows

Directions

• Melt the white chocolate in a bowl over a pot of simmering water. Stir frequently until fully melted, then use a spatula to spread it on a lined tray. Allow to cool, then break the chocolate into shards.

• Whip the cream until stiff peaks form. An electric beater is the easiest way to do this but use whatever you have on hand. Fold the yoghurt through the cream.

• Use half of the cream mix to create the ambrosia by mixing through a large handful each of mallows and berries, stirring to combine.

• Using a spatula, evenly spread the other half of the plain cream and yoghurt mixture onto the top of the pavlova.

• Dollop the ambrosia mix into a small pile in the middle of the pavlova. Decorate with the remaining berries and mallows, and your prepared chocolate shards. Chill until ready to serve.