Thrifty me

Afternoon tea for girls
Originally uploaded by hausfrau in melbourne

I am no good at being thrifty. Or frugal. I admire those who are, but I am continually tempted by so many nice things.

Today after being spoilt rotten with nice treats by lovely husband, I managed to whip up the dessert, that in theory was:

1. Frugal
2. Beautiful
Although the frugal part seems hard to fathom, using as it did both raspberries and cream, but it was all there, in the fridge, crying out to be used. The meringues made use of left over egg whites I had floating about the fridge, and I had planned on making an Eton Mess over the weekend.

Here's the recipe I use for meringues:

4 egg whites
1 cup caster sugar
2 tsp cornflour
1tsp vinegar

Heat oven to 150C.
In an electric mixer, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Slowly add sugar, continuing to beat whites until mixture becomes glossy. Sift in cornflour and fold in vinegar.
Spoon large spoonfuls on to a baking tray lined with paper, and place in oven. Lower heat to 120C and bake for 30 minutes. Turn off oven and allow to cool, keeping door closed.
Makes 10.

I like to add a small drop of food colouring, because after all, what doesn't look better off pink!

If I was truly frugal, perhaps these lovely Magnolias would have come from my garden (they didn't).

And I would have made this scarf myself (failed again).

But did I mention it was on sale.....