Cake!

Here it is: the macadamia-toffee-vanilla cheesecake my man Dan promised and prepared – in three stages, no less – for my b-day. Every part of this massive confection is a treat in itself: the firm but creamy real-vanilla-bean base; the roasty macadamia nut-brittle; the exquisitely fudgy caramel spilling over the sides. Sure, you can have the recipe.

And the presentation on Christmas nite wasn't bad, either. Dan's mum had also made a pavlova (right) in belated celebration of Dan's brother's b-day. After spooning up the two puddings and draining several cups of tea, we were all a bit twitchy.