A Seat at Their Table
with Hoda Alzubaidi
For Hoda Alzubaidi, summer and Christmas is all about colour. The food writer and Great Australian Bake Off semi-finalist loves to share recipes inspired by her travels around the world, but when it comes to Christmas, it’s an Aussie affair. Discover how she’s keeping it light and bright with fresh recipes and a gorgeous table setting that’s perfect for a summertime celebration.
Dopamine Dining: a feast of colours
This year, Hoda will be gathering her loved ones together for a “Friends-mas” celebration that’s all about dialling up the colour and fun, complete with a stunning pavlova and a refreshing mocktail. Freedom tableware instantly takes the styling to the next level, adding pops of colour and eye-catching details.
“This table setting is a celebration of colour and texture, from the fruit to the flowers to the beautiful linen. It’s a gorgeous bright, colourful, and modern way to celebrate Christmas with your friends and family.”
Delicious Décor: crowd-pleasing pavlova
Pavlova means summer in Australia, making it the perfect dessert for Christmas day, which happily coincides with a bounty of lush, ripe berries.
“Who doesn’t love a pav? They celebrate summer and for me, a pavlova is all about colour. Once you cut through it, all that cream mixes with the berries – so good! It’s beautiful, bright and it’s the perfect Christmas centrepiece.”
Hoda’s Berry Pavlova
Makes one round 24cm pavlova
Serves 4
Ingredients
For the pav
6 egg whites
270g caster sugar
2 tsp cornflour
1 tsp vinegar
1 tsp vanilla essence
For the cream and topping
600ml heavy cream
2 tbsp icing sugar
500g strawberries
125g blueberries
200g raspberries
Mint leaves for decorating
Method
For the meringue
1. Preheat oven to 120C. Line an oven tray with baking paper. Mark a 24cm diameter circle on the baking paper as your guide to how large the pavlova will be.
2. Use an electric mixer to whisk the egg whites in a clean bowl until soft peaks form. One teaspoon at a time, gradually add the sugar until the meringue is thick and glossy and all the sugar has been mixed. Rub a little meringue between your fingers and if you feel any sugars, continue beating until dissolved.
3. Add cornflour, vinegar and vanilla and whisk until just combined. Spoon the meringue onto the baking sheet where the circle is marked. Smooth sides and top otherwise the peaks will burn. Bake for one and a half hours. Turn off the oven and leave the pavlova in the oven with the door slightly open (I like to put a wooden spoon in between) to cool completely. This will allow the pavlova to dry completely and avoid any cracks.
To finish
Combine the cream, icing sugar and vanilla in a bowl and whisk until softly whipped. Place it in the fridge to firm up until the pavlova is ready to decorate.
Place the pavlova on a serving dish, scoop the cream and top with fresh fruit.
Mocktails & Dreams: cheers to summer
Fresh lime, sweet berries and fragrant mint are the perfect combo for creating a refreshing and colourful mocktail that everyone will love. Simply throw it all together over ice, stir and top with your favourite soda.
“Bursting with freshness, this gorgeously light drink is perfect for a summertime Christmas.”
Hoda’s Christmas mocktail
Ingredients
4 to 5 strawberries, stems removed and strawberries chopped
Seeds of 1 pomegranate
1 tbsp lime juice, from about half a lime
8 to 10 fresh mint leaves, plus more to taste for optional garnish
1 tbsp honey
Ice cubes or crushed ice, enough to fill the glass about halfway
Strawberry sparkling water (or regular), enough to top up glass
Method
1. Place strawberries, pomegranate seeds, lime juice, mint leaves and honey in a drink glass and muddle (basically mash everything to get the strawberries and mint to release their juices and flavours) with a wooden spoon.
Note: The more you muddle, the more you'll extract the juices and flavours from the berries and mint. It's okay if there are some visible pieces of strawberry left. Muddle until you've reached the consistency you like best.
2. Add ice cubes to the glass, filling about halfway, then top up with sparkling water. Stir to combine everything. Garnish with a strawberry, and fresh mint.
Enjoy!
By combining delicious food, a festive atmosphere, and a touch of creativity, you can host a "Friends-mas" that your guests will cherish for years to come.