Porridge of the Week # 30

Porridge of the Week #30
Lemon Curd and Strawberry

Category: Flavour
In a pan, simmer the oats in milk. When they have reached your desired consistency, stir in a spoonful of lemon curd. Tip into a bowl and top with another dollop of lemon curd and a handful of chopped fresh strawberries. Simples!

Lemon curd and strawberries- A classic combination! This is an interpretation of a porridge created by Simon. Not only is it pretty to look at, it has a really sweet, light summer pudding feel to it. A very different affair from the heavy, spicy winter feeling that porridge is usually associated with. Simon, I am impressed...

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Strawberry Meringue Stack

I've never liked meringue. In fairness, it isn't meringue's fault, it's mine. I think I've only ever had commercial meringue, and just like people who claim they don't like Champagne when they've only drunk it at weddings- I don't think that entitles me to an opinion.

Commercial meringue is horrible. Though it should be a balance of crunchy and chewy, shop bought meringue is always hard and brittle, with no soft texture and too much sugar.

So I made my own! I've been tempted to do this for a while and started to research. I was surprised to discover how versatile it can be. Though tempted by a chocolate chestnut meringue tower, I opted to start with a lighter, more summery version.

This is what we did;

Break two eggs and separate the whites from the yolk. In a bowl, whisk the whites until forming stiff peaks. When they are firm, add in 4oz of caster sugar, two ounces at a time, and beat in. Don't beat too much, or it will collapse.

Scoop into a piping bag and pipe four circles onto baking paper, circling the edges to make a nest shape. Pipe four more flat circles of a similar size.

Preheat the oven at 150 degrees, and then bake in the oven, reducing the temperature to 100 degrees for an hour. Switch the oven off and leave it in the oven to dry out.

Chop a handful of strawberries into small chunks. Spoon some creme fraiche into the meringue nests and top with the small strawberry pieces. Drizzle with raspberry coulis. Place the meringue 'lid' onto the strawberries and then top with some larger slices of strawberry. Drizzle generously with more coulis and sprinkle with icing sugar.

Very pretty, very lovely. A perfect summer dinner party and BBQ sweet!

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Karolina's Strawberry and Honey Porridge

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"I always mix oats with oat bran 50/50. Todays porridge I have cooked with milk and a pinch of cinnamon. In a bowl I added fresh strawberries (quartered) and about tablespoon of runny honey. I always bring organic Polish honey from home, because my stepdad's cousin is a bee keeper.

I bring good quality honey when coming back from Poland, because I know it comes from a good source and it is truly delicious. And it does not cost a fortune, like hanuka honey!"

- Karolina (www.sensesinthekitchen-karolina.blogspot.com)

Thankyou so much for your contribution! This definately sounds like one to try.
If you are as impressed by this porridge recipe too, check out her blogspot. Her recipes put mine to shame!

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