Month: December 2021

Eggia Mactric and Cheese

Breakfast, Canada’s Drag Race, Canada’s Drag Race 2, Pasta, TV, TV Recap

Previously on Canada’s Drag Race the dolls were tasked with dragging up a group of queer teens for the best, prom, EVER. While Kendall could have gone shady when pairing up the queens and the teens, she wanted the kids to have fun and as such, everyone was perfectly paired. All of the queens slayed their makeovers, though Pythia and her teen stole the show while Icesis and Adriana were both read for not telling a coherent story. As such, Pythia took out a second well earned victory, while the latter two had to lip sync for their lives with poor Adriana tragically exiting the competition.

Backstage the top four were thrilled to have made it to the end, with Icesis particularly grateful to have dominated the lip sync on her way there. Kendall meanwhile was proud to be there but more so, proud to be there with her sisters. They all kind of admitted that they expected this top four from the start before they congratulated Pythia on finally winning a design challenge. The sweet, Canadian version of shade was interrupted by a surprise message announcing that instead of going straight through to the finale, they would be having a little reunion with their fallen sisters.

With that the eliminated queens joined Brad on the mainstage, starting with Beth – yep, its happening – Océane, Stephanie, Suki, Eve, Synthia, Kimora and Adriana returning to kiki with the top four which, gay gasp, we learnt would become the final three before the end of the night! Starting out hella shady, only Stephanie was shocked about the makeup of the top four, admitting that she should be there instead of Kendall. Which Kendall assured her was just because she missed the growth throughout the competition since, you know, she left so early.

Given reunions are never really compelling to read about, I’m just going to curate and give you the highlights. Icesis was thrilled her fashion was well received while Pythia was grateful that her creativity was embraced within the competition. Beth vowed that while she didn’t get to show it on the show, she was ready to prove her growth on the global stage. Océane joined a gym, Adriana – and all of her sisters – were proud of how well she performed, while the Brat Pack were just thrilled to get to have such good friends with them in such an intense competition.

With sweet Kimora just thrilled to see such a nice bond between Kendall, Gia and Synthia, despite the fact it may have been difficult for some of the other girls. Namely Beth and Eve.

Everyone spoke about Eve’s many tantrums, though agreed that she just needs to see the star she is, which is something everyone else can see. Icesis admitted to being insular, before Brad gagged me with the fact that ICESIS is the oldest queen of the season. We then got a supercut of Gia’s Oscar speeches, after which I woke to Stephanie yawning, and talk turned to Pythia being the only one to not have to lip sync throughout the competition.

After the queens gushed over how grateful they were to makeover the amazing queer teens, the top four shared the moment they realised they were doing well in the competition, with Kendall sharing that lip syncing for her life is what put a fire in her belly. Gia admitted that overcoming the nerves in the roast made her realise she belonged, while Icesis agreed that lip syncing worked her up, along with the help of the girls telling her to snap out of it and Pythia admitted that surviving Snatch Game was all it took for her.

Stephanie was then handed a mic to read the girls, calling out Kendall for looking like Jay Z out of drag, Beth for bombing the first lip sync while Suki was deemed a Doll, but only in an Annabelle kind of way. Which didn’t bother her, given she was then crowned as Miss Congeniality of the season.

But that is where the joy left as the eliminated queens were asked to identify who they think would win, with Beth, Océane and Kimora going with Icesis – though the latter wanted Pythia – while Stephanie, Synthia and Adriana were Team Pythia, and Eve went with Kendall. And Suki opted for either Icesis or Pythia. Before Eve broke down saying they all deserved it.

Brad then gagged the top four by announcing that in order to get to the top three, they would have to compete in a lip sync tournament until one girl was eliminated. First to face off were Kendall and Gia to RuPaul’s Main Event with both of the girls coming out of the gate absolutely firing and leaning into their respective styles. Gia was sexy and flipping around the stage while Kendall was giving full camp and comedy. Which proved enough to hand Kendall a narrow victory and automatically book her place in the finale. Leaving Gia to battle it out against the loser of the next lip sync for the final slot.

Speaking of which, up next were Pythia and Icesis who did battle to Born Naked and like before, the dolls were ready to fight. Pythia was kooky and camp, living her best life while Icesis was laser focused, hitting every lyric and showing why she has dominated the competition all season. She then literally dominated Pythia, giving us the sexiest contact sport Drag Race has ever seen. As such, Icesis booked her way into the finale, leaving Pythia to face off against Gia for the final slot.

As soon as Mama Ru’s Call Me Mother kicked off, Gia and Pythia gave it their all. Pythia gave more kooky and felt every lyric while Gia flipped all over the stage, showing just how damn polished and fierce a performer she is. Ultimately though, only one could go through to the finale with Pythia booking her place, leaving Gia to exit the competition.

While she didn’t give us another lengthy Oscars speech backstage, she was so grateful to see me and to have the support of such a dear friend. You see, I invented the Brat Pack when I visited Harry and Meg in Canada when they divorced the Queen. I quickly grew bored of them wanting to lay low, so hightailed it to Vancouver and we quickly became the four best friends that ever could be.

Obviously I then got deported for some reason or another, but the dolls kept in contact and made sure I still felt a part of things, so it was wonderful to be able to pay Gia back for her kindness. While Brad sprung the elimination on us with minimal notice, I was thankfully able to pull together an Eggia Mactric and Cheese to show my love.

Yeah, yeah – this is just Mountadriana Mac and Cheese with an egg on top, but name a better breakfast? Because I better you can’t. The perfectly cooked fried egg with a sprinkle of chilli are the perfect accompaniment to the mac, to help get your day off to the right start.

Enjoy!

Eggia Mactric and Cheese
Serves: 2.

Ingredients
2 serves Mountadriana Mac and Cheese (or any mac you like, but the bacon really helps)
2 tbsp butter
2 eggs
½-1 tsp chilli flakes

Method
Reheat your mac and cheese and divide into two bowls.

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet of medium heat and once foaming, crack the two eggs into the pan, sprinkle with the chilli and fry until the white is set but the yolk is still nice and gooey.

Pop the egg on top of your mac and devour immediately, as the yolk flows all over the pasta.


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Danny MousseCrayke

Baking, Cake, Dessert, Snack, Survivor, Survivor 41, Sweets, TV, TV Recap

Previously on Survivor, Jeffrey opted to offer up one final, major twist to the game where the first person eliminated from the immunity challenge would have their fate decided by a game of chance. Should they win, they are also immune but should they lose, they are eliminated and tribal council is cancelled. After Liana and Heather nope’d out of the challenge, Deshawn was the first to drop out and prepared to have his game left to chance before Danny took out immunity. Back at camp the tribe tried to come up with a plan B, which obviously was Liana, despite Deshawn and Danny making a compelling case to take out Ricard instead. Ultimately, Deshawn got lucky and stayed in the game before the majority held firm and booted Liana from the game in an emotional tribal council.

Back at camp Danny and Deshawn were reeling from tribal council, with the latter shocked by how emotional things were and how hard it was to send Liana home. Deshawn assured the tribe that he was ok but needed to talk to Danny to debrief and talk through their experiences. Danny then went to visit Xander, shocked by the fact Xander opted to get rid of Liana over Ricard, the far bigger threat. While Xander explained that Ricard is a shield for him, he agreed with Danny that getting rid of Ricard is now the priority given the protection isn’t needed anymore.

Which means Ricard is totally winning immunity, right?

The next day Heather caught up with Deshawn to talk about tribal council, grateful that she has had the chance to learn from him and grow. He explained that getting rid of Shan didn’t hurt him as much as voting out Liana, because they didn’t have the best relationship but explained to her that while race and culture shouldn’t come into things, his experience permeates everything whether he likes it or not and that is why getting rid of Liana was so hard. 

Deshawn then caught up with Erika, with her too telling him how proud she is of his ability to explain his feelings to the tribe, particularly because she too has the same concerns about herself playing the game for herself while representing a culture. She opened up about how she felt like voting out Liana runs contrary to her wanting a female – ideally herself – to win after such a long drought, though sometimes in the game you have to make decisions against what you want, to further your game. And it is tough.

The tribe caught up with my love Jeffrey for a reward challenge where they would split into two teams, climb up a net, jump off a pontoon, collect balls and then land said balls in a basket. And the victorious team can either pick a chicken and veggie feast or desserts, which Deshawn was disappointed about because he would have preferred a letter from home. Danny got his team – with Ricard and Heather – out to the earliest of leads which was quickly lost as Xander powered through the water. Both teams were neck and neck throughout the swimming portion before Deshawn landed the first basket for his team. After struggling with shooting, Danny traded out with Ricard who quickly landed his first basket. Sadly for him, Deshawn then quickly landed his second and third baskets, handing them victory and a, dun dun DUN, chicken and veggie feast.

And no letters from home.

Upon returning to camp they quickly smashed their food before talk turned to alliances, with Deshawn gladly offering himself up as a number. Erika and Xander admitted that they would love to get rid of Ricard next and as such, they would love to work with him. Which quickly escalated to them floating the idea about going to the final three together. Meanwhile the losers were hiding out in the shelter until Heather and Ricard left to do some chores, leaving Danny behind to search for Shan’s rehidden idol. Sadly for him, they returned to camp soon after and his absence made both of them nervous that he had, in fact, found an idol. 

The next day Deshawn and Erika were catching up by the well with Deshawn assuring her that he would truly like to go to the end together. Particularly since her going with Heather risks people not being able to distinguish their games and lessening their chances of winning. Which he pressured her to talk about, all to get Erika to verbalise the need to get rid of Heather.

The tribe reunited with Probst for the immunity challenge where they would need to navigate an obstacle course – while dizzy – to collect puzzle pieces before using said pieces to solve a word puzzle. Danny got out to the earliest of leads, though they all managed to catch up at a balance beam. Which Ricard made quick work of. While Ricard got to work on his puzzle early, the rest of the tribe soon joined him. Deshawn and Ricard both figured out the phrase at the same time, leading to a rush of activity as they battled to assemble it first, ultimately ending with Ricard winning his third immunity of the season.

As predicted, FYI.

Back at camp the tribe quickly split up to work on their plans while Danny and Deshawn discussed how stupid everyone was to vote out Liana over Ricard at the last tribal council. Danny next caught up with Ricard who confronted him about potentially finding the idol, with Danny denying he had one, though did share with us how happy he was to at least make them nervous. Xander meanwhile was catching up with Heather, suggesting that keeping Danny would be their best chance at beating Ricard at an immunity challenge and as such, they should think about keeping him a few more days.

Heather then caught up with Erika, with the latter pushing to get rid of Danny over Deshawn, given he is willing to work with her while Danny is not. As such, she got to work trying to convince the rest of her alliance that keeping Deshawn is in all of their best interests. She first caught up with Ricard, who sadly knew that was a bad idea for his game. Meanwhile Deshawn was trying to take control of his fate, pulling Xander and Heather aside to highlight their bonds and the fact that he would take them to the end while Danny probably wouldn’t and as such, it is in their best interests to keep him around.

At tribal council Deshawn was still smiling despite the fact it is clearly him or Deshawn going home tonight. Ricard meanwhile shared that he had a great day with Deshawn, though would still gladly vote him out tonight. Particularly since they both targeted him at the last tribal council. They both explained that they tried to take the shot when they had it, given he had been dominating the challenges and pointed to his victory as their proof. Erika stepped in to talk about the fact they all decide what is threatening to their game and that that is different for each of them. She trusts Ricard while Liana had previously voted for her and as such, she got rid of her.

Xander admitted that jury management is now also playing a part of their decision making while Danny and Deshawn were both just proud of their games thus far. Deshawn then decided to  cause some chaos, outing his conversation with Erika at the well about her getting rid of Heather. Eventually. Hilariously Ricard stepped in and told him that his truth bomb was kind of a terrible idea, given the fact he doesn’t even know if he is going home tonight and may have just cost him a chance of working with Erika in the end. Erika too questioned his timing, given that while they have had an up and down relationship, she has always been willing to work with him and the only thing his outburst did was confirm to her that she can’t trust Deshawn.

With that the tribe voted and as predicted, things were tied up between Danny and Deshawn, who each voted for the other. With that, Ricard, Heather, Erika and Xander re-voted and despite Deshawn’s messiness, unanimously sent Danny from the game.

Given Danny is such an upbeat, kind person, he was pretty chill by the time he arrived at Ponderosa, ok at being outplayed and ready to relax. While he was disappointed to be out of the game and for his alliance to be apparently going out back-to-back-to-back, he was proud of the way he played. Though I also think he was just eyeing off his Danny MousseCrayke, so who wouldn’t be feeling happy?

Velvety smooth mousse, perfectly poached pears and a light, spongy cake work together in harmony to deliver a cake that is as fluffy as it is decadent and rich.

Enjoy!

Danny MousseCrayke
Serves: 12

Ingredients
6 eggs, 3 of them split
285g raw caster sugar
75g plain flour
20g cacao powder
pinch of salt
30g unsalted butter, melted
3 pears, peeled, cored and cut into 1 cm slices
2 tbsp lemon juice
100ml spiced rum, plus 1 tbsp for the mousse
400g dark chocolate, roughly chopped
200ml milk
3 egg yolks
500ml cream, lightly whipped

Method
Preheat the oven to 200˚C and grease and line a 26cm spring-form cake tin.

Start by creaming the three whole eggs and 120g of the raw caster sugar in an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Sift the flour, cocoa powder and salt together in a large bowl. Add to the egg mixture with the melted butter and fold until just combined. 

Spoon the batter into the prepared tin and transfer to the oven to bake for 20 minutes, or until springy and an inserted skewer comes out clean. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, line the tin again and return the cake.

While the cake is getting chill, combine the lemon juice, rum, 110g of the sugar and ½ a cup of water in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Once the sugar is dissolved, add the pears and simmer for 10 minutes until tender. Drain the pears and leave the slices to cool, keeping the poaching liquid aside for serving.

Finally, combine the chocolate and milk in a heatproof bowl and cook in a double boiler, stirring minimally, until the chocolate is velvety and smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes. While it is chilling, cream the yolks, remaining sugar and tablespoon of rum for 5 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the chocolate mixture and mix until just combined. Before folding in the whipped cream until it is, you guessed it, just combined.

To assemble, layer the pears on top of the cake, followed by the mousse, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon. Transfer to the fridge to set for 6 hours, or ideally overnight, until set.

Then, finally, slice, serve, drizzle with poaching liquid and devour. Gloriously.


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Mountadriana Mac and Cheese

Canada’s Drag Race, Canada’s Drag Race 2, Main, Pasta, TV, TV Recap

Previously on Canada’s Drag Race the dolls fired up the oven to give one Miss Brooke Lynn Hytes the roasting of a lifetime. After winning the mini-challenge, Kendall was able to set the order and bravely put herself up front to open the show. And set the bar for the other girls. Which she ended up setting very, very high. Icesis too slayed the competition, but was having so much fun roasting anyone in sight, she ran out of time and was pulled off stage before getting to Brooke. As such, Kendall took out a very well-earned win before Gia and Kimora faced off in the weirdest lip sync of all time. Kimora was ready to go, so opted to follow Gia around the stage like a mosquito until the judges followed her wishes and banished her from the competition.

Backstage Pythia was already missing Kimora’s grandmotherly energy in the Werk Room, while Gia was just grateful to have been able to meet her and learn from a legend. But while they were disappointed, Icesis quickly reminded them, she will always be remembered after that lip sync. Whatever that was. The dolls then rejoiced at the fact they had made it to the top five of the season, with them marveling about how they have now all taken out a win. Since, you know, that means it is anyone’s game.

The next day Gia was busy manifesting the crown while Pythia was impressed by how different their styles are. Despite still wishing that she had won a sewing challenge along the way. Their kiki was interrupted by the arrival of Brooke and Traci who gagged the dolls with some Zoom calls from home, immediately bringing everyone to tears. Gia’s mum was cute and upbeat, Adriana’s husband is gorgeous, Kendall’s partner is a fucking babe, Icesis’ mother is the absolute sweetest and Pythia’s partner is just adorable. Even in an eye patch. And well, you know I sobbed through the entire damn thing.

With all that love out of the way, the queens learnt that for this week’s Maxi Challenge they would be returning to high school – thankfully, drag race style – as they would each be making-over a queer teen for a mother-daughter prom. More importantly though, Adriana just desperately wanted to have skin like the youths. Oh and they’d all have to make their child’s outfit from scratch, which obviously made Icesis thrilled, since she was very confident in her chances of getting her third victory.

As the current reigning winner, Kendall was allowed to allocate the kids with Kendall picking a mini-me Alex, giving sweet Ethan to Gia, the beautiful Friday to Adriana, the stunning Michaela to Icesis and leaving Clover for Pythia, given they look like kindred spirits. And ugh, I love that Kendall wanted the kids to have a good time and as such, didn’t go the shady route.

As they split up into their pairs, it became pretty clear how alike all the duos were. Pythia and her partner nerded out, Adriana and her teen were looking to sex it up while Icesis and her newest daughter just seemed to connect on the deepest level. Gia and Ethan meanwhile bonded over their beauty and I mean, every time we went back to Kendall and Alex, I wondered if they were actually related.

Traci dropped by for a walkthrough where we learnt that Gia’s daughter would be called Electric and stunning in some electric purple. Kendall’s daughter locked in the name of Stormi in honour of the Kimmy K wet look and the iconic child that rises and shines in Kendall’s family. Icesis’ new daughter is going to be rocking a simple, red gown while Pythia and her daughter will be giving a gender fuck runway. And not wanting to rest on her laurels, Pythia was also going to make an outfit for herself as well as Clover’s. While Adriana and Friday didn’t elaborate on their sexy theme, so that’s all there is to tell you.

The teens then dropped by the mainstage where Brooke Lynn was ready to give them a little runway training session. With the top five quickly learning everything they’ve been doing wrong this season. And well, let’s just say, the segment was the most Canadian thing that has ever happened, given it was sweet, kind and just so damn NICE.

Elimination Day arrived with everyone quickly splitting up to get prepped, as Pythia worried about pulling off the two outfits in time while Gia was busy teaching her child about make-up. We then learnt that Pythia and Adriana’s new daughters had created safe spaces in their schools to help the younger kids coming out while Icesis’ daughter broke down, talking about how alone she has felt growing up. Which obviously led Icesis to go full mumma mode, handing over all contact information and encouraging her to call whenever needed. She then shared that she had similar feelings growing up which led to her going down a really dark path, so she really wanted to make sure she was ok.

Oh and the kids all started to get shady to each other and ugh, it was just too cute.

On the runway Icesis and her daughter Ruby both looked stunning, despite not looking like they were going to the same event. Kendall and Stormi were vampy and hilarious, as Kendall gave her best Kris Jenner, momager moment. Adriana and Bella Donna were pretty in pink while Pythia and Apollo stole the show in matching, goth outfits complete with a sash for being the Prom Queer. Oh and then Gia and Electric were delightfully silly and looked gorgeous to boot.

The judges lived for how perfect Ruby Couture looked and while they thought Icesis looked great too, they didn’t understand the connective tissue in their story. Kendall and Stormi meanwhile received universal praise for their narrative, their family resemblance AND for looking so good, despite the dress being a bit basic. Like Icesis and Ruby before them, the judges loved Adriana and Bella Donna’s looks though they couldn’t make sense of the story. Or you know, Adriana dripping in sex toys. Pythia and Apollo’s looks and concept received universal praise, as Pythia broke down about how much this challenge – and doing well for Apollo – meant to her. Gia was praised for giving such a strong family resemblance and giving an entire short story on the runway.

Oh and then Brad told a horrible story about almost being gangbashed at prom and ugh, this episode has me feeling all the feels.

Backstage Kendall was worried that she could land in the bottom before all the teens opened up about how grateful they were to have had the experience they’ve had on the show. Pythia in turn thanked them for being vulnerable and wished that she had them as role models growing up. 

While Adriana quietly worried about potentially lip syncing for her life.

Ultimately Pythia took out a very well earned win while Gia and Kendall were sent to safety, leaving Icesis and Adriana to battle it out to survive. As soon as Mitsou’s Everybody Say Love started, both of the dolls came ready to fight. Icesis was giving fierce showgirl, hitting every letter while throwing in some comedy for good measure. Adriana was sexy and stunning as she danced around the floor and sold the hell out of the song. Sadly for her, Icesis just straight up refused to go home and gave it her all, saving herself and sending sweet Adriana out of the competition.

Before Adriana got to work with her toys, I quickly pulled her aside to congratulate her for such a fun run. While she didn’t make it to the end, this season really could come down to any of them and it feels like every cut is going to hurt. Which made her happy enough to sit down and smash a good old Mountadriana Mac and Cheese.

This mildly tweaked Nigella number is truly a mac for the ages. The inclusion of bacon is something I will always welcome, and when you add in the thyme, richness of the cream and the punch of gruyere, you have a mac that is truly with celebrating.

Enjoy!

Mountadriana Mac and Cheese
Serves: 6.

Ingredients
2 tsp kosher salt
2 potatoes, peeled and cut into a large dice
500g penne
2 tsp olive oil
350g streaky bacon, diced
2 shallots, peeled and sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1½ tsp dried thyme
100ml vermouth
300ml double cream 
½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
200g gruyère, grated
50g parmesan, grated

Method
Preheat the oven to 220°C.

Fill a large pot with water, the salt and potatoes, and bring to the boil. Once rollicking, leave to boil for a couple of minutes before adding the pasta. Cook, stirring infrequently, for a couple of minutes less than the packet instructions.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the bacon over medium heat, for five minutes or so, or until starting to crisp. Add the shallots, garlic and thyme and cook for a further minute. Add the vermouth, cream and nutmeg and stir to combine. Remove from the heat.

Drain the potato and pasta, saving a cup of the cooking liquid, and return to the pot. Stir through the creamy, bacon mixture until well combined. Stir through the cooking liquid and half the gruyère and all the parmesan. Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with the remaining cheese and pop it in the oven to bake for twenty minutes.

Once golden and bubbling, remove from the oven to rest for five minutes or so before serving. And devouring greedily.


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Roast Liamba Wallace

Main, Survivor, Survivor 41, TV, TV Recap

Previously on Survivor the tribe came back together after their split tribal councils with Deshawn and Shan’s trust levels at an all time low. Despite having a beautiful discussion about playing the game for more than themselves, they agreed that they will continue to work on their trust though they knew that they both posed a threat to the other’s game. Wanting to weaken Shan, her alliance decided that getting rid of Ricard was their best plan, which obviously meant he won immunity. After Liana spilled the deets to Shan, she in turn told Ricard and rather than be reassured that she had his back, he worked with Erika to rally everyone but Liana to band together and get rid of the biggest threat, Shan.

After tribal council Danny and Deshawn quickly pulled Liana aside to discuss the blindside and smooth things over with their ally. Liana asked for a simple explanation as to why they flipped on her, with Danny explaining that it was Ricard’s plan and that the numbers were already against them, so they either joined the minority or risked the target moving to them. While Xander, Ricard, Heather and Erika quietly celebrated taking control back in the shelter. Xander assured them that he would use his advantages to benefit this newfound alliance and damn, is this overconfidence going to backfire on him next? After Liana returned to camp, Deshawn shared his frustrations with Danny about Shan calling him a snake. He then returned to the shelter and asked Ricard why she wasn’t pressed about his betrayal as well, with Ricard calmly explaining that they always knew they would have to cross each other and that she understood because her alliance’s plan led to his speeding up the process to target her.

But Deshawn did wisley – unwittingly or not – reiterate that Shan told Ricard he would have her vote in the end which isn’t something you want to hear if you were considering facing him in the end. 

The next day Ricard pulled Deshawn aside and suggested that he was coming off as paranoid and advised him to calm down, with Deshawn reiterating that it was a witting decision to paint said target on Ricard’s back, though did vow to calm down. Deshawn then caught up with Liana and assured her that they are together and he will never write her name down and while they looked all friendly, she was still fired up to get revenge on him.

We then checked in on Danny who opened up that it was the 25th anniversary of his father’s death and while he usually tries to keep himself busy, there is nowhere to hide in the game and he finally has to acknowledge his feelings. He shared that he always resented his father for dying and despite knowing there was nothing he could control, he missed him and realised he needs to move forward and live for his legacy.

And fuck Danny, why you got me ugly crying so early in the episode?!

Jeffrey arrived to loop us in on a new twist the castaways were about to face at the immunity challenge. Each castaway would have the choice whether they would participate but should they do, the first person to drop out would have to face a ‘Do or Die’ twist where their fate is decided by a game of chance. Should they win, they are also immune at the upcoming vote but should they lose, they are out of the game and tribal council is cancelled. Oh and to make it more triggering, the challenge was the one that cost Cirie and Malcolm Micronesia and Philippines, respectively. You know, you hold up cylinders between blocks and balance a ball with the last one standing winning.

Heather and Liana decided the risk was too great and jumped on over to the sit out bench leaving Erika and the boys to battle for immunity. Almost instantly Deshawn dropped, leaving him to face the coin flip of destiny, as I would have preferred it be called. Erika dropped just before the end of the next phase, while everyone else made it to the final round. As the wind picked up, Ricard and Xander dropped in unison, handing Danny his first immunity of the season. And why am I crying thinking about how proud his dad would be without him even saying anything?

Back at camp the tribe started to prepare for the option of Deshawn surviving the coin flip as he gladly admitted he is either safe or he can say he was never voted out. Danny opened up to Deshawn and admitted that he was so grateful he was able to make his father proud at the challenge before pivoting to a plan to get rid of Ricard. As such, Danny pulled Xander aside to float the idea of turning on Ricard at the upcoming vote and while he agreed Ricard is a threat, he also knew that he was the next biggest threat and with Ricard gone, Xander is the one they’d be coming for. Xander instead wanted to target Liana, though Danny reminded him that she is a non-entity and they can always deal with her later.

With that Xander and Erika caught up, with the latter reminding him that Ricard is a threat to both of them winning, though the question remains about the right time to pull the trigger. Xander and Ricard caught up and they both warned the other that both their names were out there, while they agreed that as long as their alliance sticks together, there is no risk and Liana will go home. Well, unless she plays her Shot in the Dark. And poor Erika just continued to go back and forth between which way to go.

At tribal council Jeff filled the jury in on the Do or Die twist before Liana spoke about how she didn’t sit out of the challenge because she felt safe, but because she hasn’t been doing great at them and as such, the risk was too high. Then Heather put that sentiment in a far less eloquent way, reading the people on the jury for being worse than her and as such, she had no flops left in the game to guarantee her safety. Essentially. Xander spoke about how much he is loving all the twists thrown at them while Danny is just glad to be immune, despite worrying about his closest ally being at risk. Jeff gagged them all with the fact it is their last chance to play their Shot in the Dark, which made Erika super nervous given there is so much to navigate around. And well, today is one of the days she totally hates the game.

Deshawn opened up about why he played the immunity challenge, sharing with the jury that he felt his confrontation with Ricard after the last tribal wasn’t him at his best and as such, he knew he was in trouble. This led to Ricard stepping in pointing out that Shan came to him to get rid of Deshawn and as such, that is what set the wheels in motion. Deshawn started to break down over the fact he had to turn on Shan to further his game despite wanting to stick with his culture. 

Liana agreed that in life and playing Survivor, she is always a black woman first and foremost and that puts bias on how people treat her and as such, they have so much more pressure on them to do better and be the representation they didn’t have growing up. Danny agreed that the alliance was so much more than that and that he looked forward to them starting a broader conversation outside the game. 

Xander thanked them for sharing and acknowledged his privilege in not having to represent any cultures and was aware how much easier life is for him, leading to Danny thanking him for being such a great ally. Heather jumped in and shared her gratitude for Deshawn being so open, apologising – for what, I wonder – and sharing how grateful she is to be learning from her fellow castaways. Liana spoke to the audience and apologised for bringing the real world into the game, but reminded those haters that this is the world and Survivor has always meant to be a microcosm of society and as such, these are important conversations.

Finally Jeffrey set up the Do or Die twist which tragically wasn’t a coin flip, but instead three boxes laid out in front of Probst. One box contained safety, while the other two contained Deshawn’s demise. Somehow, Deshawn shockingly defied the odds and guaranteed himself a spot in the final six. With that, the game continued and the tribe voted, with Erika sticking with her alliance and sending Liana from the game.

Despite the heavy, emotional tribal council, Liana had her head held high when she arrived in Ponderosa and was proud of how well she played the game. While I’ve only known Liana a short while – we crossed paths in DC when I was meeting with Michelle Obama about a business deal after Barack left office – her kindness is something I truly love, so I was glad to be able to help dull the post-boot pain with a Roast Liamba Wallace.

Honestly, there is nothing better than a perfectly cooked roast lamb. Despite being more a sausages and mince kinda carnivore, roast lamb is something that I will never go past. Plus, how damn good as the cold leftovers on a little sandy-j with a really punchy mustard?

Enjoy!

Roast Liamba Wallace
Serves: 6, plus leftovers, ideally.

Ingredients
1.6kg boned leg of lamb
6 garlic cloves, peeled
3 large sprigs rosemary, leaves removed
¼ cup olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste
1-2 tbsp flour
½ cup dry cinzano
½-1 cup chicken stock

Method
Preheat the oven to 200°C. 

Using a paring knife, make six holes 2cm deep and 2cm long in the lamb and press a clove of garlic inside. Carefully rub the leg of lamb with some of the oil and place on a rack in a roasting pan. Sprinkle with the rosemary and a good whack of salt and pepper before placing the lamb in the oven for an hour or so for medium.

Remove from the oven and transfer to a plate before covering with foil to rest for 15 minutes.

While that is happening, remove the rack from the pan and place the pan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to form a roux, using your judgement on how much flour is needed. Whisk in the cinzano and half the stock, scraping all the baked on goodness from the pan for optimal umami goodness. Cook, stirring, for five minutes or so, adding additional stock as needed until the gravy is at your desired thickness.

Once the lamb is well rested, carve and serve with your favourite veggies, completely slathered in gravy. Then devour.


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Kimora Singamour Noodles

Canada’s Drag Race, Canada’s Drag Race 2, Main, Street Food, TV, TV Recap

Previously on Canada’s Drag Race the dolls were tasked with throwing a little ball, sinners style. The queens had to first walk the runway in a Sex Drugs and Rock’n’Roll inspired number, followed by a current-reigning-Miss-Fugly-Kitty-Scott-Claus-inspired Ugly as Sin before designing a showstopping number inspired by one of the Seven Deadly Sins, which were allocated by Icesis. Once again Icesis rose to the top and took out her second victory, after slaying each and every category while Kendall and Synthia were read for missing the mark on a couple and faced off in the lip sync. Sadly though, one of the besties had to go and it was the bananas talented Synthia Kiss.

Backstage Kendall was heartbroken to have been the one to send her bestie home, toasting to her success and telling the queens how proud of Synthia she is. After everyone spoke about how sad they were, Icesis admitted she wasn’t too disappointed because she knew one of them had to go for her to get her crown. Oh and we learnt that Kendall accidentally had her titties out during the performance and that is the kind of kinda that makes me live. Post lip sync, Kendall was feeling her oats and while she didn’t think she would be lip syncing, she was glad to show how sickening she is as a performer.

The queens were still feeling giddy and excited the next day, with Icesis thrilled to not only have won her second challenge but to have won her second design challenge. Sweet Pythia meanwhile was feeling disappointed, given she is also a talented designer – my words – but both times she was pipped at the post. Though she was feeling particularly salty since Icesis wore underwear and chains, while she served an entire sickening look. Her words this time.

Before my two faves descended into complete feuding chaos, Brad arrived to put the girls to the test in a little Fashion Puh-leeze! mini challenge. In duos, the dolls got in quick drag and joined Brad to read some of their sisters’ looks for filth. Up first were Kimora and Pythia in full yellow regalia, Adriana and Icesis were next giving full on glamazon while Kimora and Gia went a more opposites attract route, in the best way possible. During the challenge Kendall was working her dad jokes to perfection, Gia was cutting, Icesis and Adriana bounced off each other perfectly while Pythia seemed to struggle to get comfortable.

Ultimately Kendall took out a very well earned victory, which gave her the advantage of deciding the order in this week’s maxi challenge, The Roast of Brooke Lynn Hytes though they were encouraged to roast literally everyone in addition to their host. As Brad left, the dolls sat down to talk through the challenge with Kendall quickly allocating herself the first performance slot, so that she could set the tone of the roast. And you know, to finally prove herself. Kendall wanted Kimora or Icesis to go last as the strongest comedy girls, with Kimora offering herself up despite the risk. With that out of the way, Adriana was placed second, Gia third and Pythia fourth, leaving Icesis to go before Kimora. And in her mind, probably hurt both of them.

The dolls split up to start working on their routines with Pythia overwhelmed and Adriana absolutely terrified. Thankfully for them, they each got a bit of one-on-one time with Brad and Emma Hunter. Kendall was first to go and proved to make a good choice popping herself first since her Yvie Oddly jokes were near perfection. As was the laugh. Though the judges told her to get to the jokes as quickly as possible so that everyone was on board and can enjoy things. Adriana was still in her head while her rehearsal made Brad and Emma get lost in theirs, given they had no idea what was happening. Though I am hopeful her wackiness will sell it and this is a massive fake-out edit.

Kimora admitted to being a nervous public speaker, despite her passion for comedy. And given how great her rehearsal went, I think that second feeling will carry her through. On the other end of the spectrum, Pythia was super nervous and while she made herself laugh, Brad and Emma weren’t on board. Until the end when she let her rage at Icesis fly. Speaking of Icesis, her rehearsal didn’t go great, though she was open to working through their feedback and was glad to make cuts. Rounding things out was Gia Metric who thankfully could tell every time her jokes didn’t land. She then opened up that she struggled to be mean because she used to be an angry person and she was so scared to go backwards. But thankfully, the judges pushed her to go ALL in.

Elimination Day arrived with Pythia talking about how powerful she feels in drag and how it is what drew her to the career. She opened up that she named herself after a power woman in Greek culture as a way to take ownership of her femininity in a culture that focuses so heavily on masculinity. Gia spoke about the power of reclaiming your strength through drag though the challenge of not having that out of drag. Which is something all of the queens could relate to.

Emma joined Brooke, Amanda and Brad on the judges table for the roast where Kendall was fun, stupid and self-deprecating and damn, did she shine. Adriana meanwhile got stuck in her head from the start despite the cute jokes. Poor Gia didn’t seem to land any jokes, though at least got to advertise how good she is at deepthroating which, to be fair, isn’t nothing. Pythia meanwhile started out strong though as her confidence took hits, her performance flailed. Icesis came out looking for blood, going in hard and knocking it out of the park from start to finish. Even having herself in hysterics before the producer’s straight up pulled her off stage for going too long. Closing out the show was Kimora and like Pythia, she started out super strong though lost her way throughout the set and I worry that is all that the judges will remember.

On the Dungeons and Drag Queens Runway Gia was a gorgeous lizard queen, dripping in yellow and green. Adriana looked like the stunning daughter of the monster from The Shape of Water. Icesis was a perfectly regal demon in red and black while Kendall was a straight up elfin goddess. Kimora was perfection dressed like a glamazon raven – not Raven – while Pythia was a perfect little peach princess before a centaur ruveal. And well, it. Was. Perfect.

The judges lived for everything Icesis did in the roast, except for the fact she didn’t manage her time. Kimora meanwhile received universal praise for both of her looks, despite the ill-fitting nature of her runway. Oh and they also weren’t vibing with how flat she was in the roast. Gia received universal praise for her runway, though the roast was absolutely read for filth. Particularly since she spent most of the time talking about herself. Adriana’s runway was also beloved, despite the fact it was a designer recreation. That being said, the judges were proud of her for powering through her nerves in the roast. Kendall meanwhile received universal praise with the judges living for how hard she has worked and the fact she finally got to prove herself. Rounding things out, Pythia’s runway had everyone gagged for doing something different to her sisters, though they weren’t thrilled (or really disappointed) by the up and down nature of her performance.

Backstage Pythia was mentally preparing to lip sync again, though was ready to put her additional centaur legs to use should they be needed to trip anyone up. Adriana felt like the judges would be asking the dolls who should be going home, so decided to get it out of the way early by posing the question herself. Before anyone could speak, Kimora stepped in and told everyone to name her because she is ready, much to their collective gag. She spoke about having done everything she can in the competition and that at this point, she is ready to go. This led Kendall to beg her to find her fight because one round of bad critiques shouldn’t make her question her skills. Icesis started to cry, Gia was shocked by someone wanting out, Adriana and Pythia were confused, while Kimora simply reiterated that she knows her limits and well, she has hit them. So just let her go.

Ultimately Kendall took out a very well earned victory (which was maybe helped by Icesis running so damn over), while Pythia and Icesis were deemed safe. Adriana meanwhile narrowly avoided lip syncing, leaving Gia to battle against Kimora. Though given Kimora was ready to throw in the towel, it was less of a battle and more Gia turning tricks all over the stage to Get Down by b4-4 while Kimora lifted her up and acted like a ra-girl. Much to the confused maybe-delight of the judges and her sisters, who wondered why she just kept chasing after Gia. 

And as she wanted it to be written, so was it done as Gia was saved while Kimora was sent out with Amanda’s ‘that was weird as shit’ ringing in her ears. Though she was very effusive about her praise to the judges and the show for giving her a shot, so I don’t think anyone should be disappointed. Nor should she be disappointed in herself for her final moments, which she was already regretting because frankly, that ‘weird as shit’ lip sync was weird, and funny and memorable. And isn’t that the point.

Which is obviously what I told her as she entered the work room.

I pulled her in for a massive hug and praised her for knowing when the time was right to exit for her. Since, you know, self-care is fucking important. Given she is an absolute icon, I made sure to reiterate that over and over so she wouldn’t forget it before whipping out my big, fat bowl of Kimora Singamour Noodles.

Full of curry spice and jam-packed with the freshest veggies, this little number is the perfect quick and dirty meal for whipping up after work. Or when you weren’t expecting your bestie to get eliminated.

Enjoy!

Kimora Singamour Noodles
Serves: 4-6.

Ingredients
1 tbsp shaoxing wine
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp fish sauce
1 tsp muscovado sugar
2 tbsp peanut oil
300g chicken breast, diced
¾ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper, freshly cracked
1 small onion, sliced
2 carrots, julienned
1 red capsicum, sliced
1 cup snow peas, trimmed and halved down the centre
5 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp chilli flakes
1 tbsp curry powder
½ tsp turmeric
200g thin rice noodles, cooked per packet instructions

Method
Combine the shaoxing, sesame oil, soy and fish sauces and the muscovado sugar in a small jug, whisk and leave to rest while you do all your mise en place, including cooking the noodles per the packet instructions.

When you’re ready to go, heat the peanut oil in a wok over medium heat and add ¼ tsp salt and the pepper and swirl in the hot oil. Working quickly, add the chicken and stir-fry for a couple of minutes. Remove and leave to rest on some paper towel.

Next stir-fry the onion for a couple of minutes before adding the carrots, capsicum, snow peas and garlic, cooking for a further minute. Return the chicken to the wok, along with the noodles, chilli flakes, curry powder and turmeric and toss for a minute or so before adding the prepared liquids. Cook, stirring, for a further couple of minutes, or until the chicken and noodles have soaked up most of the sauce.

Serve and devour immediately, in honour of the iconic Kimora.


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Blueberry and Krystalemon Versacheesecake

Baking, Cake, Dessert, RuPaul's Drag Race UK, RuPaul's Drag Race UK 3, Snack, Sweets, TV, TV Recap

Previously on Drag Race 12 iconic queens arrived in the UK Werk Room, ready to fight for the crown. While tragically they were felled one by one starting with Anubis – yep, this old chestnut (not roasting on an open fire) – followed by Elektra, Victoria, Veronica, Charity, River, Choriza, Scarlett and Vanity, leaving Ella, Kitty and Krystal to make it to the finale. After writing verses on Ru’s Christmas song, chatting with Ru and Michelle and performing the song live on stage, the top three lip synced for the crown with Kitty and Ella deemed co-runner-ups to the iconic Krystal Versace.

The youngest winner in franchise herstory.

Krystal came into the competition ready to absolutely dominate the game. After winning the first challenge which leaned heavily into her fashion strengths, she continued to surprise herself as she slayed everything thrown at her.

More importantly, she showed the world how sweet and focused she is and that sometimes, nice gals finish first. As such, I was thrilled to witness her coronation, which is guaranteed to be just the start of a very bright future.

Fresh off the stage, I pulled her in for a massive hug and reiterated how proud she is. Given she is young enough to be my child – if it was a very young-teenage pregnancy – I quickly pivoted to asking her if she was looking after herself, the other queens were being nice to her and whether she had done her homework.

The last one being eerily poetic, given the clearly came into the competition with a solid understanding of what needed to be done. Meaning the least I could do was celebrate her success with a beautiful Blueberry and Krystalemon Versacheesecake.

Super sweet, a little bit tarty and packing a surprisingly delicate, floral centre, there is no better way to honour our newly crowned queen. Or celebrate a special occasion. Or, you know, just have a really fucking delicious cake.

Enjoy!

Blueberry and Krystalemon Versacheesecake
Serves: 8.

Ingredients
200g Ginger Nut biscuits, blitzed into a rough sand texture
100g butter, melted 
750g cream cheese, softened 
½ cup raw caster sugar 
1 tbsp gelatine
¼ cup boiling water 
1½ cups thickened cream
250g blueberries
½ cup Lemon Kurd Cobain
20g edible flowers

Method
Combine the biscuits and butter in a bowl until they are coming together, and press into a 24cm springform pan to form a smooth base. Transfer to the fridge to set.

Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese and sugar together in the bowl of a stand mixer until smooth and combined. Dissolve the gelatine in the boiling water before adding to the mixture with the thickened cream, and beat for a further couple of minutes or until velvet and smooth.

Remove the filling from the mixer and fold through the blueberries.

To assemble, scatter some flowers on the base, followed by a couple of dollops of the mixture. Dollop in some of the curd and swirl through with the tip of the knife. Top with the rest of the filling, a few more dollops of curd and repeat the swirling process. Top with flowers and place in the fridge to set for a couple of hours, or ideally, overnight.

You could also do the flowers last to avoid wilting, but I prefer them set into the cake despite not looking as great.

Once set, remove from the tin and devour, greedily and most importantly, victoriously.


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Hot Nutella Vaday

Drink, RuPaul's Drag Race UK, RuPaul's Drag Race UK 3, Sweets, TV, TV Recap

Previously on Drag Race UK 12 queens entered the Werk Room for another battle royale of my favourite franchise. While nine sisters were eliminated along the way, it was the quiet achiever Ella that rose to the top. Winning challenge after challenge, after challenge (and challenge) until Vanity was eliminated and she battled for the crown against Kitty and Krystal.

Despite slaying the competition, Ella didn’t end up taking the crown though some would argue what she won was better than that anyway. My heart!

While underestimated by her sisters at the beginning of the competition, I knew that someone that could come up with a name like that was full of talent and from start to finish, she shon.

Like Bimini before her, she showed versatility, charisma and so much talent and while she may not have finished with the crown, her career can only go from strength to strength.

Which is what I reiterated to her through gritted teeth as I pulled her off stage to toast her with (a kinda ugly, sorry Ella) Hot Nutella Vaday.

What my photography skills don’t show is how damn near perfect this drink is. I mean, sure, we all love a Hot Choc – or Coco – but when one has the opportunity to go with nutella, they should take it. So take it.

Enjoy!

Hot Nutella Vaday
Serves: 2.

Ingredients
2 cups milk
⅓ cup Nutella
whipped cream, for topping (which I forgot to do, I assume, because we’re all bottoms)

Method
Like most of my drinks and salads, this one is a little bit difficult to process.

Pop the milk and nutella in a saucepan, whisk until well combined and pop over low heat until cooked through.

You could also do it direct in a mug using your meek-ro-wah-vay, though that always runs the risk of getting dirty, dirty, dirty.

Whichever way you go, down and enjoy!


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Haloumi and Zuckitty Scott-Clauzza

Main, Pizza, RuPaul's Drag Race UK, RuPaul's Drag Race UK 3, Snack, Street Food, TV, TV Recap

Previously on Drag Race UK the top four were tasked with roasting themselves, the panel and their eliminated sisters for a decidedly heavenly roast. Kitty was her usual brand of funny and charming, however it was once again Ella that completely dominated. From dad jokes to her hilariously dragging anyone in sight, she well and truly earned her fourth victory on her way to the finale. At the other end of the pack, Vanity was read for playing it too safe with her jokes,  while Krystal landed in the bottom for her heavy reliance on age jokes. After the duo lip synced however, the assassin was felled as Krystal went through to the finale and Vanity sashayed away.

Backstage the dolls were jubilant to make it to the end, though quickly took pause to toast their fallen sister Vanity. Kitty joked that there is normally a dog in the top three, though was glad that this one only had a bunch of babes. Though did admit that if she can’t spot the ugly queen, maybe it was in fact her. Ella was still on cloud nine about her victory, talking about how great it was to see their sisters and hoping none of them were offended by being dragged. Which was obviously the point that they were all brought in, praising Ella for killing the hell out of the roast. Vanity was accepting of being eliminated, while Krystal agreed she deserved to be in the bottom alongside her, with Elektra shadily agreeing out loud rather than in her head. Choriza rounded out the visit by giving the final three a pep talk for the finale ahead while Kitty just wanted the meet and greet girls to exit so they could celebrate and get their heads in the game.

The next day the queens were feeling festive as fuck to be not only be in the finals but also because Ru popped up some Christmas trees. Ella quickly pointed out that she has the same amount of badges as the other two combined, while Kitty was just thrilled to have proof that her years of hard work are worth it. Ru interrupted their chat to drop by and announce that for this year’s finale, the dolls would be writing their own verse on her holiday hit, Hey Sis, It’s Christmas. And then, you know, perform it live on the mainstage, after a quick Q&A with her and Michelle.

They quickly split up to write their lyrics, with Kitty nervous about how to stand out while Ella wanted to write a bop. And Krystal simply wanted to do better than the Girl Group challenge. After spilling some sample lyrics, Kitty dropped by to catch up with Ru and Michelle, talking about her passion for Christmas and her level of comfort on the stage. She opened up about her time at musical theatre school and how she practised sewing before joining the competition and always tries to keep things positive. And how supportive her sweet family are.

Ella was up next, opening up about how gagged she is to have dominated the competition. Ru asked whether Ella was just a failed actor that came to drag – way harsh, Tai – with her opening up about doing it to re-energise her career and that she initially kept drag separate from the theatre crowd, so that she would be taken seriously in both worlds. She spoke about how she learnt to love herself, got all loved up and reiterated the fact she was so shocked to make it to the end. Krystal meanwhile had Ru and Michelle laughing from the start, joking and giving off a very relaxed vibe. She mocked her name, spoke about her inspirations and how proud her family are. Talk turned to her virginity with Krystal admitting that she would prefer to be doing up a wig than doing a man. Or well, going on a date. Oh and she was fired up for the win.

The dolls then joined Jay Revell to learn the choreography for their final performance with Kitty overwhelmed by how damn hot he is. Which in a word, is relatable. Krystal was up first, wanting to throw in a lot of tricks and flicks to sell herself. Kitty meanwhile was fun and full of pointing, while Ella was the perfect combination of the two – sexy but also pointy. After they were all chill and calm about their verses, Jay told them their group moments are hard as hell and well, poor Krystal arrived at struggle street. As the musical theatre queens quickly picked up the choreo, poor Krystal lagged behind while Kitty knew it was all a ruse as she will definitely slay it, because that is what Krystal does.

Coronation Day finally arrived with Krystal asking them about first impressions, with Ella admitting she was gagged, not about how stunning Krystal’s looks were, but more importantly, that she was also super kind. Kitty meanwhile was nervous upon seeing Ella, praising her for being as handsome as Gaston in drag. While both the dolls were thrilled to have met Kitty and her infectious energy. Kitty then opened up about how great it was to meet Baby Spice, while Ella’s highlight was winning Snatch Game. Which Kitty admitted she was gagged about, given she thought she would win or it would at least be a double. Krystal meanwhile was proud about how she constantly surprised herself.

And then Ella and Kitty did a spot on Veronica Green impersonation. Which means nothing really, but was important to me.

Ru, Michelle, Graham and Alan lined up on the panel for the debut performance of Hey Sis, It’s Christmas! and frankly, Ella’s verse was absolute fire and she sold the hell out of it to boot. Kitty was demented and delightful, as per usual, while Krystal came out all guns blazing. The rest of the queens then joined the performance and things got wild and well, ugh, I just love the dolls.

On the Final Three Eleganza Extravaganza Runway, Ella was a vision in a stunning purple gown, complete with a big old wig to make Michelle happy. She was sparkly, confident and ready to complete it with a crown. Kitty straight up looked like a Southern belle who became a princess, feeling her oats and looking a frosted delight. Krystal meanwhile was perfection in a black velvet mermaid gown, standing out in all the right ways.

Ella received universal praise for her verse, opening herself up and nailing the hell out of the challenge. The judges loved her look, though Graham did question the choice of shoe. Though they all agreed that she dominated the competition and was the one that they could all rely on. Kitty was praised for her magnetism and her demented lyrics in the song before the judges shared how much they loved her look. Alan then likened her to a labrador, with everyone loving her energy from the start and then they learnt she is talented to boot. The judges loved how Krystal challenged herself in the final number, thrilled to see her polish her skills and emerge as an even brighter star. Oh and they lived for her dark and moody final runway.

Ella was first to talk to young Nicholas, reminding him that he is beautiful and perfect and begged him to embrace who he is and silencing all the names and slurs that are thrown his way. Kitty wanted young Lewis to remember how lucky he is and to never take anything for granted. She then suggested he stay happy and kind and most importantly, to wear supportive underwear. Krystal told young Luke – well, younger – to embrace all the love he has around him and to be kind and patient while waiting for people to come around. Oh and to ease up on fillers as a teenager.

Ella shared that she should be the next UK Drag Superstar, admitting that she has all the talent and has thrown everything out there to get the win. Finishing simply by reminding them that she is the best, and they should pick her. Kitty felt that she should win because she is the embodiment of UK drag, with a little camp and a big pair of knockers. Krystal meanwhile wanted to inspire the next generation of drag to try hard and let kids know they can do whatever it is they want.

Backstage the dolls caught up with their eliminated sisters with Elektra thrilled they all got a chance to perform together one last time. Choriza was proud of everyone, while Victoria was shady about Ella finally stepping out of the chorus. Ella meanwhile was proud to dominate, though Kitty suggested it won’t matter in the end. Anubis meanwhile looked stunning as she praised them for a great season, while River joked that the double elimination was the best lip sync. Oh and we learnt that Elektra wasn’t allowed to jump off the stage when she did, while Scarlett joked about not wanting to talk about her walk off.

After the eliminated queens walked the runway, the top three were tasked with lip syncing for the crown to Dusty Springfield’s You Don’t Own Me. Everyone played to their strengths from the start, Kitty was charming as hell and giving all the comedy, Ella was moody and leant into her acting chops while Krystal threw everything at the wall. It was stunning, it was emotional and most importantly, they were stupid and fired up. Tragically though, there can only be one winner and that was young Krystal.

While she was busy getting her crown fitted, I pulled Kitty to the side to toast her killer run and infectious personality. As Kitty said, she truly is the embodiment of UK drag, camp, bawdy and so damn fun, which to me, well and truly earns a victorious Haloumi and Zuckitty Scott-Clauzza!

I know, I know – zucchini isn’t the most exciting vegetable (or is it a fruit?) option in the world, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a place. Like say, this one! Thin strips of juicy goodness work perfectly with the salty haloumi to create a perfect new pizza combination.

Enjoy!

Haloumi and Zuckitty Scott-Clauzza
Serves: 1 iconic queen and her equally iconic bestie.

Ingredients
2 bases as per Pizsa Zsa Gabor
⅓ cup Toni Basil Pesto
400g haloumi, sliced
2 zucchinis, thinly sliced lengthways
5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
cheddar and mozzarella, to taste

Method
Prep the bases as per Zsa Zsa’s instructions.

Preheat the oven to 180°C.

Smear the bases with pesto. Layer with haloumi and zucchini, followed by a dotting of garlic and the cherry tomatoes, then a generous helping of the cheeses.

Transfer to the oven and bake for fifteen minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

Devour, careful not to burn yourself on the molten hot cheese.


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Shuntel Smaith

Main, Snack, Survivor, Survivor 41, TV, TV Recap

Previously on Survivor Jeff decided that this season of, dropping the 4 keeping the 1 hadn’t thrown quite enough twists and turns at the castaways, so opted to do a split tribal council gig. As such, the tribe was halved with Erika and Xander winning immunity from their respective groups before each group went to separate beaches to scramble. Over at Team Erika, Shan and Ricard pushed for Heather and Naseer to be booted respectively, further causing tension between them as Shan wanted Naseer to stay since they were close. After Ricard got his way, the other group rolled into tribal council and upon seeing Naseer on the jury bench, Deshawn and Danny opted against turning on their alliance and the group banded together to boot Evvie from the game.

The two groups came together back at camp where Danny immediately questioned why the other group booted Naseer, while the rest of them in turn barely batted an eyelid at Evvie’s departure. Ricard quickly got on to telling the story of Naseer’s downfall, masterfully talking about how he pushed Shan to use her extra vote – that to me, seemed like it was needlessly – to ensure he got some credit for the move. Erika meanwhile knew that Shan is the biggest threat and everyone was simply too scared to make a move against her. With that, Erika pulled Deshawn aside and quickly pointed out that Shan is a bigger threat than Xander and as such, they need to take her out before it is too late while nobody views Xander as a viable ally, so they can get him whenever.

Oh, but Shan saw them walk off together so you know it isn’t coming together.

The next morning a paranoid Shan pulled Deshawn aside to find out what went down between them, with her learning from their past dealings and assuring him that they need to do what is best for their individual games as well as their alliance. Talk turned to the fact that they feel like they are playing for more than themselves, wanting to help lift the culture after the continued trauma and tragedy of 2020 (and the centuries before that). This bonding made Deshawn start to question whether he could actually turn on Shan yet, though both agreed that they still have a long way to go to repair their trust.

The tribe joined Jeffrey for this week’s reward challenge where they would each race through a series of obstacles while tethered to a rope before, you know it, solving a puzzle. For an overnight pizza retreat, which sounds glorious TBH. Xander and Liana got out to the earliest of leads with Ricard nipping at their heels. Ricard overtook Xander while the rest of the tribe quickly closed the gap. Ricard, Liana, Deshawn and Danny all made it to the puzzle together, with the rest of the tribe eventually joining them. While Deshawn looked to be well out in front, Ricard quietly powered ahead and narrowly took out another victory.

As is oft the case, Jeff let Ricard pick someone to join him, ultimately going with his Ua tribemate Shan. Jeff obviously made him pick another person, opting for Heather who had never been on a reward and then Xander for giving up a couple of rewards, when Jeff gagged him with a third and final slot.

The losers returned to camp where Danny was looking to make a move. He went for a walk with Deshawn, suggesting that Ricard needs to be the next one out. Deshawn suggested that things would be difficult to get him out at the next tribal, though agreed it would be a good way to neutralise Shan. With that they approached Liana who identified Shan and Erika as bigger threats before realising they wanted to get rid of Ricard and immediately saw the value of getting him out too.

Meanwhile at the Survivor pizza hut, Ricard was thrilled to make meaningful connections with everyone and glad to bring Shan some joy. Shan and Ricard got real about the fact they will eventually need to turn on each other with Shan admitting she wants a woman to win while Ricard knows people like her more and as such would give her the win over him, meaning they will never get to the end together.

The next day Liana and Shan caught up with Shan, again, pointing out that she can’t trust Deshawn, as Liana grappled with going behind her back to get rid of Ricard. She eventually broke down and told Shan everything, who in turn took the information to Ricard to turn the vote against Deshawn instead. Ricard meanwhile said that it was a lot to take in and despite the fact Shan clearly had his back, he admitted that he was shocked that she wanted to let him know.

The tribe joined Jeffrey again for one of my favourite challenges in the back catalogue, where they all have to stand on a beam, hold a long hard pole and keep a ball balanced on a disc. Sadly in this new no 4, keep the 1 era, Probst did far less smutty innuendo, though. Barely minutes into the challenge, Liana became the first to go followed by Danny. After everyone transitioned to a smaller section of the beam, Erika dropped instantly followed by Heather thanks to Shan’s repeated, masterful saves. Well until they transitioned to the narrowest section of beam when she dropped instantly. Shan was followed by Deshawn – much to her delight – before Xander dropped out of nowhere, handing Ricard his second immunity of the season.

Back at camp Shan was nervous about making a move against Deshawn too early and spooking everyone. Shan rallied her allies and Ricard to lock in the vote on Erika, though Ricard did try to scare Xander into burning his idol, just in case. Ricard meanwhile was still nervous, knowing that Shan’s alliance is ready to get rid of him when it comes time to do it, Shan will gladly get rid of him. As such, he decided now was the time to get rid of Shan instead to guarantee her alliance splinters before getting the chance to take a shot at him.

Ricard then approached Heather and Xander, assuring Xander that the other alliance doesn’t want to vote him out and that he should hang on to his idol for another day. Obviously this didn’t make Xander feel reassured, until Ricard suggested that he, Xander, Heather and Erika band together to get rid of Shan instead with the help of one other. As such, Ricard approached Deshawn to let him know that Shan told him everything about their previous plan and while Ricard wasn’t thrilled about it, he suggested they work together to target Shan instead.

He then returned to Heather and Erika, with Erika nervous about being the collateral damage should Shan get nervous and play her idol. She then suggested that she and Heather could talk to Danny and see if he’d be interested in flipping on Shan too so that they can at least split the vote between Shan and Liana to maintain a level of control. As such, Erika quickly pulled in Danny, who in turn grew nervous about Erika given she is clearly threatening, making him unsure which side to vote with heading in to tribal.

At tribal council Xander spoke about how out of touch he is within the tribe, completely unsure what is happening. Heather meanwhile shared that she is clearly on the bottom of the tribe, with Erika agreeing that she is in the bottom but was ready to make a move. Whether it be being approached to help a move or making her own. Shan reiterated the importance of relationships to keep powering ahead while Ricard shared that he and Shan have been honest about the fact that they are together, though both accept that they will have to turn on each other eventually.

Deshawn and Danny spoke about people having misguided faith in their alliances while Erika pointed out that her vote is just as powerful as anyone else’s and as such, she can be used as a number. Shan admitted that statement is nerve wracking, despite having worked with Erika in the past. Ricard pointed out that everyone’s paranoia is what actually makes them feel on the bottom while Liana summed it up by saying that everyone has a perception of what is going on though the fact is, one of them is wrong.

With that the tribe voted and we learnt that she and Shan were the ones that perceptions were wrong as the rest of the tribe split the vote between them, with their lonely two going to Erika. As such, the tribe revoted between Shan and Liana, with Shan ultimately blindsided from the game with an idol still in her pocket. Though not before she congratulated Ricard on the way out the door, assuring him that he has her vote. Which, you know, paints a target on his back. Oh and she called Deshawn a snake while lonely Xander sat there smiling, somehow still with an idol in his pocket.

As Shan arrived at Ponderosa, she was still coming down from the excitement of her blindside. Not yet angry or disappointed, so the perfect time to catch up and lavish her with praise for absolutely dominating the game. Which is exactly why she was taken out, because she was too threatening and, frankly, her scalp was perfect on a resume. After reiterating that to her – and reminding her that there is no Edge of Extinction for her to make a return – we laughed, we cried and toasted her success with a hearty batch of Shuntel Smaith.

I feel like I say it all the time, but I love a good dump. If you told me I could only live off one food for the rest of my life, I would pivot from burgers to them as soon as I realised these are the healthiest options. And these little shu-ies – tweaked from the Woks of Life recipe – would be high on my list – sweet, salty and lightly spiced, they warm your soul and, to channel Dr Seuss, may you feel nice(d).

Enjoy!

Shuntel Smaith
Serves: 1 hungry castoff and her cheerleader, or 4-6 people dependent on greed.

Ingredients
300g pork mince
1 ½ tsp raw caster sugar
¼ white pepper
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tbsp shaoxing
2 tsp light soy sauce
1 tsp chilli paste
3 tbsp water
1 ½ tsp sesame oil
200g baby prawns, peeled, deveined and roughly chopped
½ tsp salt
3 shiitake mushrooms, soaked and finely chopped
1 tsp ginger paste
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 shallots, finely chopped
1 tsp oyster sauce
20-30 gow gee wrappers

Method
To make the filling, combine the pork, sugar, pepper, cornstarch, shaoxing, soy, chilli, water and one teaspoon of sesame oil in a large bowl. Stir in a single direction for five minutes, or until a fine paste is formed. In a second bowl, combine the remaining sesame oil with the prawn and salt. Again, mix in one direction for a minute or until it all comes together. Cover both bowls and pop in the fridge for half an hour or so.

Meanwhile combine the mushrooms, ginger, garlic, shallots and oyster sauce in a large bowl before adding the pork and prawn mixtures. Stir again, in one direction, for five minutes, or until it all comes together.

Get a steamer prepped while you start working on the shumai. While I just use baking paper to line, you can either brush with oil or use a damp cheesecloth.

But back to assembling. Hold a gow gee wrapper in the palm of your hand before adding a heaped teaspoon of filing in the centre. Bring the sides up and crimp around the edges to leave an exposed circle at the top. Continue the process until done.

When you’re ready to steam, pop them in the steamer leaving a couple of centimetres between them and steam for 12 minutes, or until cooked through.

Devour immediately with your favourite condiments.


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