Meek Elementary School

"Merry Christmas" from Australia!

We learned that Australia is special because it is a continent, but it is
also a country.

In many ways, they celebrate Christmas the way we do in the United States.
There are some differences.

The weather is very hot at Christmastime. Many Australians spend the day
at the beach. They spend time swimming and playing games like volleyball.

At many beaches, Santa or Father Christmas arrives on a surfboard or small boat.

Thousands of people gather in the city of Melbourne to sing "Carols by Candlelight" on every Christmas Eve. "Auld Lang Syne" is the very last song sung at midnight.

Miss Fulghum taught us "The Australian 12 Days of Christmas." We enjoyed
singing it. Then, we drew our favorite parts.

We also enjoyed a traditional holiday treat from Australia called
Pavlova (pav-loh-vah). It was full of fresh fruit!! Yummy!

See our "Australian 12 Days of Christmas" Artwork

Pavlova (Pav-loh-vah):
Ingredients:
4 egg whites
1 cup Splenda
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. lemon juice

Filling:
1 small bowl of sugar free cool whip
1 banana (sliced)
¼ cup pineapple pieces
1 cup strawberries (fresh sliced OR thawed and drained)
1 kiwi (sliced)
Cherries (as many as you like)

*You will need an 8 in. pan, dusted with ½ tsp. of cornstarch.

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 225 degrees.
2. Beat egg whites until stiff.
3. Add Splenda (GRADUALLY) and continue to beat until mixture is stiff.
4. Fold in cornstarch.
5. Add vanilla and lemon juice.
6. Put in 8 in. pan and bake at 225 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1
hour and 30 minutes, without allowing the Pavlova to color. It
should stay white.
7. Allow to cool.
8. Spread half of the cool whip on top of the cooled Pavlova.
9. Cover with fruit evenly over the top.
10. Cover with the rest of the cool whip and add cherries to decorate the
top.

*You may choose to substitute the fruits you like rather than the ones
listed.

Miss Fulghum paid close attention to nutritional facts and bought sugar free, low-fat, and fat free items.