Plum Pudding with Macadamias

Here is my home made plum pudding topped with fresh raspberries and macadamias. Macadamias are great to add to Christmas cakes, slices, chocolate treats and sprinkle over cheesecakes to add a little native Australian specialness to Christmas fare.

Nutella Cheesecake with Macadamias

A quick and easy to make no bake cheesecake. Nutella, cheesecake and macadamias.......... yum! 

Rich and delicious, but not dense and heavy, ideal for a special treat.

Base:

200g (7 oz) chocolate biscuits, crushed (about 20 biscuits, or 1½ cups crushed biscuits)

2 tablespoons butter, melted or a little more

Filling:

500g (1 lb 2 oz) cream cheese

½ cup sugar

150g (5 fl oz) thickened cream, lightly whipped

4 tablespoons Nutella

I cup macadamia nuts, finely chopped

1.       Grease and line a 20cm (8 inch) springform cake tin.

2.       Stir the butter into the crushed chocolate biscuits to combine. Press into the base of the tin, using the bottom of a flat bottomed glass to push the crumbs firmly in place. Refrigerate.

3.       Beat the cream cheese on low for a few minutes or until softened and smooth. Add the sugar and cream gradually until well combined and smooth. Add half of the nuts and stir through. Stir in the Nutella.

4.   Spoon into tin and smooth the top. Sprinkle over the remaining nuts and refrigerate, until serving.

Variation: Also sprinkle grated chocolate over the top of the cheesecake.

Choclate Macadamia Meringue

Chocolatey, gooey and delicious with dark chocolate and macadamias. This meringue is easy to make and lovely for Christmas celebrations or as a special treat anytime.

Serves 8

3 egg whites

½ cup castor sugar

1 cup macadamias, roughly chopped

120g (4 oz) dark chocolate, finely chopped

2 tablespoons Dutch cocoa powder

1. Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and line an 8 inch (20cm) springform cake tin.
2. Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
3. Gradually add sugar and continue to beat until mixture become glossy and stiff peaks form.
4. Reserve some of the nuts and chocolate for decorating the cake and gently fold in the remaining chocolate and nuts together with the cocoa powder. Spoon mixture into cake tin and smooth the top.
5. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until firm. Cool on a cake rack. Decorate with grated chocolate and reserved nuts.