It’s summer in Oz and the temperatures are soaring . In Perth Western Australia we have had weeks of high temperatures with a few days of 40 degree days thrown in to show us that the planet is in charge and not us. So what better way to Cool off on a hot sandgroper day than to make some delicious ice cream saturated in red berries.

Just for non Australians, the sandgroper is the name Western Australia’s are called. It a very unattractive insect from the cylindrachetid’s family, they live in sandy areas. I don’t think anyone has ever seen one in real life but in our part of the huge continent we are called Sandgropers, because we are surrounded by glorious beaches and turquoise oceans. My personal opinion is that the rest of Oz wishes they were us.

Anyway this colourful dessert reminds me of the show I attended recently which was super cool, bright,colourful and full of outrageous costumes. The stage show The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert was set in Western Australia and the cast of local performers did an excellent job of bringing the movie to the stage. So below are a few recipes in honour of the delicious taste they left in my brain.

Ingredients

350gm mixed berries. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries or any summer berries are delicious.

600ml thickened cream

2 tbs caster sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

50g store bought mini meringues broken into small chunks

honey to serve

method

grease a 1.5l loaf pan. Line with plastic wrap leaving plenty overhanging.

Drop a handful of berries in the loaf pan (these will form the top of the slice)Whip the cream with the caster sugar and vanilla. the mixture should represent small peaks. Fold in the meringue and the more berries.(leave some berries for serving ) Pour the mixture into the loaf pan, giving it a shake to remove any air bubbles.Cover with the overhanging plastic. Put the mixture in the freezer for up to 3 hours or until frozen.

remove from freezer 20 minutes before serving .Pile extra berries on top and drizzle with honey or Baileys or any flavoured liqueur for an extra zing.Serve immediately.

I love cooking so I have decided that each show,movie or book I read I will pick a dish that perfectly encompasses the mood.