Coconut macaroons
Preheat oven to 165ºC
1. In a large bowl beat egg whites until foamy, then gradually add in sugar. Continue to beat the mixture until it forms firm peaks.
2. Fold in coconut, ground almonds, flour and vanilla essence.
3. Pipe desired size rounds onto lined baking trays, brush tops with a little water and bake for around 20 minutes (until golden).
4. Cool, and then remove from tray.
If some of your rounds are a little large, they can be cut down with a cookie-cutter once cool.
Store for in an air-tight container. These are also delicious choc dipped, served with ice-cream for an easy dessert.
Panna cotta
1. Combine cream, milk, vanilla and sugar in a saucepan and gently bring to the boil. Just as it is beginning to boil remove from heat and add the gelatine.
2. Pour into a large stainless steel or ceramic bowl and cool over an ice bath, whisking regularly. You may have to top up the ice bath with more ice half-way through to adequately cool the mix.
3. Once sticking to the sides of the bowl pour into lightly greased moulds and refrigerate until set. For my mini panna cottas I used mini muffin trays, larger servings can be set in anything interesting you have around the place – small jelly moulds look great.
4. To serve, press gently on the top of the panna cotta with a clean finger to release from the edge of the mould. Upturn onto a plate and give a quick shake. If you still have difficulty turning the panna cotta out of the mould, briefly dip the underside into a bowl of hot water.
Caramelised banana pieces
1. Heat a heavy-based pan to a medium heat and add the butter. When it starts to sizzle add the banana pieces and sprinkle over brown sugar.
2. Cook until the banana has softened and turned golden brown. The brown sugar and butter should have thickened to create a sauce.
3. Spoon over panna cotta immediately before serving.
