Friday 29 April 2011

High-Top Apple and Sultana Pie

Everyone loves this version of the classic apple pie!
So yummy!




My only tips are, pile up the apple (it will condense a little while cooking) and cook it until it is nice and golden (a little longer than she says, as usual!).




The first time i made it, I made it with half red apples and half green (out of necessity). Everyone who tried it (even seasoned pie makers) said it was the yummiest apple pie they had ever eaten. I think it must have been the extra sweetness from the red apples.

Issue 38, Page 120.


Caramel Pear Pie


The pie special in Donna hay magazine issue 38, is my go-to for a warm winter desert at the moment. I have made quite a few of them now and this one is definitely a stand out.
I must say it does generally turn out looking just like Donna's, though I always cook it longer than she says, until the top of mine is all lovely and brown like Donna's is in the picture.



Due to recipes failing in the past I have been to nervous to take it out of the oven at the time she says because it looks a little sloppy and not set. I am quite notorious for over cooking things though!
I haven't deviated from the recipe too much. A friend tried to make hers cook faster and added almond meal. I thought it was delicious, but I will let her tell you about it!
She also gave me the idea to add Black Strap Molasses. Just 2 Tbsp added to the golden syrup because it is super strong!
I loved it! But others preferred it the regular way, so each to their own.



I used a heart shaped cookie cutter for the decoration around the edge and just cut the hearts in half long-ways.

Donna Hay Magazine
Issue 38, Page 124.

Saturday 23 April 2011

Spicy meatballs with coconut noodles - by Jade Tsang

As this is the first post for the Rate my donna blog I'll keep it simple and not bore you with my waffling! This is the "donna" that gave me the idea to do this blog.

The magazine version

One day whilst heavily pregnant Che and I made Donna's spicy meatballs with coconut noodles from issue 54 - I made the mince mixture then went off to the gym, and he put the rest of the dish together. You'd think being 8 months pregnant and just having been to the gym I'd have thought whatever food was placed in front of me was a taste sensation, but both Che and I agreed that the dish was tasty - but - the sauce and mince mixture needed salt, and the mince could have done with marinating if you had the time. Also, we added twice the amount of noodles as the recipe suggested and whilst it wasn't quite as soupy, it worked better for us as we are fatty poombas and like big portions!

Tsanger version!
I made a note in my magazine as I do when I alter one of her recipes and that's when I started thinking wouldn't it be fab to have access to everyone else's little notes and alterations? So here we are! I hope this becomes a little community of cookery obsessed types, where we can show off our creations, inspire each other to give a "donna" a try and share our hints and tips. If I can type that sentence in the least corny way possible!

Issue 54, page 73

PS A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Elizabeth!!! Yes, the full name, I'm sorry, but I can't change!