A WELLINGTON Point nutritionist and former MasterChef contestant has shared her recipe for a fail-safe sweet treat that can be prepared for friends as part of Australia's Biggest Morning Tea.
Georgia Barnes, who is an official ambassador for Cancer Council Queensland, said hosting a morning tea could be easy if foods portioned into individual serves - like her Carrot Cake Good Balls - were prepared.
"To host a morning tea, I'd recommend planning your menu in advance and think about portion sizes as individual serves are always a great idea," she said.
"Make sure you have a varied selection of sweet, savoury, healthy and indulgent options and don't forget to style it."
Ms Barnes said fresh blooms from the garden and enticing presentation of food on platters could also help to make morning tea tables appear inviting.
"Make it something special, it definitely adds to the fun and the atmosphere," she said.
Ms Barnes said she decided to support Cancer Council Queensland's Australia's Biggest Morning Tea - which is on Thursday, May 23 - after losing family members from cancer.
She has shared her recipe for Carrot Cake Goodie Balls to help others host their own Australia's Biggest Morning Tea.
"It's such an important cause and what better way to raise much-needed funds than to enjoy one of the best parts of the day with friends, co-workers or the community," she said.
"I've had many loved ones in my life experience the devastating reality that is cancer, having lost my grandfather, my grandmother and a close friend to the disease. My Aunty is also a breast cancer survivor.
"Sadly, I think most people have similar stories, or worse, especially when you hear that one person is diagnosed every 20 minutes in Queensland.
"I can't imagine where we'd be without the support and vision of Cancer Council Queensland, so I'm very happy to support this amazing cause, especially when it's so simple to do."
Brisbane-based 4KQ newsreader and 7 News reporter Jo Hayes, who has studied etiquette, said the tradition of enjoying morning and afternoon teas promoted civility, relationships and enjoying the simple things in life.
"Whether you enjoy this tradition with a few close friends, or your wider community, turn off your phone and simply connect and refresh over tea," she said.
To host a World's Biggest Morning Tea, visit biggestmorningtea.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85.
Carrot Cake Goodie Balls
By Georgia Barnes for Australia's Biggest Morning Tea
Makes 16 balls | Gluten free, dairy free and vegan
Ingredients
- 2 carrots, grated
- 1 cup sultanas
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1 cup shredded coconut, extra for rolling
- 1 1/2 cups organic walnuts, chopped
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla bean extract
- Pinch of salt
Method
- Squeeze grated carrot through a muslin cloth or fine sieve to remove excess moisture.
- Place all ingredients into a food processor. Pulse until well combined. Place mixture in the refrigerator to firm up slightly before rolling.
- Roll mixture into tablespoon-sized balls. Coat evenly with additional coconut.
