White Christmas (Australian)

White Christmas (Australian) Recipe - Delicious Festive Treat

Region / culture: Australia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

White Christmas is a popular Australian no-bake dessert that is traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season. This sweet and festive treat is made with a combination of rice bubbles, coconut, icing sugar, milk powder, and a variety of dried fruits. It is easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

History

White Christmas has been a beloved Australian Christmas tradition for many years. The recipe is said to have originated in the early 20th century and has since become a staple dessert during the holiday season. The combination of coconut, rice bubbles, and dried fruits gives this treat a unique and delicious flavor that is sure to please everyone.

Ingredients

250 g of copha (solidified coconut oil)
3 cups of rice bubbles
1 cup of dessicated coconut
0.75 cup of icing sugar
1 cup of milk powder
0.25 cup of sultanas
30 g of glacé apricots, chopped
30 g of glacé pineapple, chopped
30 g of glacé cherries, chopped
30 g of mixed peel (optional)
30 g of preserved ginger (optional)

How to prepare

Melt the chopped copha over low heat. Then, combine the rice bubbles, desiccated coconut, sifted icing sugar, milk powder, and all fruits. Mix well.
Add the melted copha to the mixture and mix thoroughly.
Press the mixture into a lightly greased and paper-lined Lamington tin.
Refrigerate until firm, then cut into squares before serving.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
Use different dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins for a unique twist.
Substitute the coconut oil with butter for a richer taste.

Notes

For a more economical confection, replace the glacé fruits, mixed peel and glacé ginger with 1 cup mixed fruit, keeping the sultanas as well.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to melt the coconut oil slowly over low heat to avoid burning.

- Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.

- Press the mixture firmly into the tin to ensure that the White Christmas sets properly.

- Refrigerate the White Christmas until firm before cutting into squares for serving.

Serving Suggestions

White Christmas can be served as a dessert or snack during the holiday season. It pairs well with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of milk.

Cooking Techniques

White Christmas is a no-bake dessert that simply requires mixing the ingredients together and pressing them into a tin. It is a quick and easy recipe that is perfect for beginners.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have coconut oil, you can use butter as a substitute. You can also use different types of dried fruits or nuts based on your preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

White Christmas can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This makes it a convenient dessert to prepare for holiday gatherings.

Presentation Ideas

Serve White Christmas on a festive platter or in decorative boxes for gift-giving. You can also sprinkle some extra coconut or icing sugar on top for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

White Christmas pairs well with a variety of beverages such as tea, coffee, or eggnog. It is also delicious when served alongside other holiday treats such as gingerbread cookies or fruitcake.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover White Christmas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It is best served chilled and does not require reheating.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of White Christmas contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of White Christmas contains approximately 25g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of White Christmas contains approximately 15g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of White Christmas contains approximately 2g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

White Christmas is a good source of vitamin C from the dried fruits.

Alergens

White Christmas may contain allergens such as nuts and gluten, depending on the ingredients used.

Summary

White Christmas is a sweet and indulgent treat that is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high sugar and fat content.

Summary

White Christmas is a classic Australian dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. With its sweet and fruity flavors, it is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy this easy and delicious treat as a festive addition to your Christmas celebrations.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for White Christmas. It was during a sweltering summer day in Australia, and I was attending a festive holiday party with friends. As we gathered around the table laden with an array of delicious treats, one dish stood out to me - a beautiful, snowy-white dessert that looked like it had been sprinkled with a dusting of magic.

Curious about this mysterious dessert, I asked my friend who had made it. She smiled and told me that it was a traditional Australian treat called White Christmas. Intrigued, I asked her for the recipe, and she happily obliged, recounting how her own grandmother had passed it down to her.

As I listened to her describe the ingredients and method of preparation, I couldn't wait to try my hand at making this enchanting dessert. I had always loved experimenting in the kitchen, and the thought of creating a sweet treat that captured the essence of a white Christmas in the midst of an Australian summer was too enticing to resist.

The next day, I gathered all the necessary ingredients - desiccated coconut, rice bubbles, powdered milk, mixed fruit, and copha - and set to work. As I measured, mixed, and stirred, the kitchen was filled with the nostalgic scents of Christmas - the warm aroma of coconut, the sweet tang of mixed fruit, and the rich, creamy smell of copha melting on the stove.

As the mixture began to take shape, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. I was recreating a beloved family recipe that had been passed down through generations, connecting me to a culinary tradition that spanned time and distance.

After shaping the mixture into small, bite-sized squares and letting them set in the refrigerator, I eagerly sampled my creation. The first bite was a revelation - the crunch of the rice bubbles, the chewy sweetness of the mixed fruit, and the creamy richness of the copha all combined to create a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures that danced on my taste buds.

I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special, a recipe that would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire. From that day on, White Christmas became a staple at my holiday gatherings, a sweet reminder of the Australian summers of my youth and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones.

Over the years, I have continued to make White Christmas, refining the recipe and adding my own personal touch. I have shared it with friends and family, passing on the tradition that was gifted to me by a dear friend at that fateful holiday party so many years ago.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover the magic of White Christmas, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary adventures that have enriched my life. Cooking has always been a source of joy and creativity for me, and this recipe is a testament to the power of food to connect us to our past and bring us closer together.

So as I prepare to make another batch of White Christmas for this year's holiday festivities, I do so with a heart full of memories and a spirit of gratitude. For in each bite of this sweet, snowy treat, I taste the love and laughter of Christmases past, present, and future - a truly magical recipe that will always hold a special place in my heart.