Fruit Salad

1 cup stoned prunes                         } soak in 1 cup marsala 
1 cup dried apricots cut in halves  } for 24 hours or more
Add drained:
1 small tin diced pineapple
1 small tin mandarin segments
1 small tin black cherries

Method: Mix well. Serve with cream or icecream. May be kept for months in fridge.

Source: contributed by Mollie Ogden in The Embroiderers' Recipe Book. Compiled by members of The Embroiderers' Guild of South Australia Incorporated ([Adelaide], n.d.), p.70.

Champers Punch

can of cherries
can pineapple juice
2/3 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup brandy
1 tbs grenadine
2 bottles champagne

Source: The Parson Knows: Easy Dinner Party Recipes (The Parish of St. Stephen, Glenunga; n.d.), p.72 ['Buffet Party Menu']

Black Forest Cake

1 chocolate sponge

1 can dark pitted cherries

brandy

large carton cream

1 med block milk chocolate

1 tsp sugar

Method: Drain cherries and reserve 12-14 for top of cake. Cut remaining cherries in halves, draining on paper towel. Put a little brandy over the halves. Grate 3/4 of chocolate and mix to a paste with brandy. Beat cream until stiff, adding sugar and a capful of brandy. Remove frozen sponge from freezer and cut each half into 2 layers (4 layers in total). Spread each layer with chocolate paste, then cherry halves (flattened with fork), then layer of brandy cream. Decorate top with cream using star forcer. Put cherries on top and grate chocolate over top and sides. Make 24 hours before needed. Store in refrigerator. [Serves 6]

Source: The Parson Knows: Easy Dinner Party Recipes (The Parish of St. Stephen, Glenunga; n.d.), p.62 ['Spring Menu']

Bombe Alaska

2 litres ice cream (rainbow if desired)

1 sponge half /wafer cream biscuits

1 can pitted cherries/fresh strawberries

2 tbs brandy

Meringue:

4 egg whites

1.1/2 cups sugar

Method:Arrange biscuits/sponge on piece of masonite. Put the carton of ice cream in the warm for a few seconds, then put ice cream on top of base. Put back into freezer to really harden.

Meringue: Beat whites with pinch salt; when stiffened add sugar gradually. When stiff, coat ice cream with meringue (quickly) making sure it is well sealed at the bottom of the board. This may be prepared in the afternoon and put back into freezer.

Drain cherries and thicken juice with dessertspoon of cornflour and chill. When ready to serve, put Bombe into oven for about 5 mins till lightly browned (325-350°F). Remove from oven and slip Bombe onto large carving dish with carving knife. Have brandy warmed and in a small jug. Put cherries/strawberries around base of Bombe. Take to table, pour brandy over and set alight. Serve with fruit and sauce.

(The secret of success if to ensure that the base and ice cream is really hard before the meringue is put on.) [Serves 6]

Source: The Parson Knows: Easy Dinner Party Recipes (The Parish of St. Stephen, Glenunga; n.d.), p.10 ['Summer Menu']