Ravenison and Mushroom Pie

Baking, Main, Pie, RuPaul's Drag Race, RuPaul's Drag Race 2, TV Recap

Previously on All Stars the queens appeared in Ru’s Judge Judy fantasy hosted by the no. 1 Jersey girl around, Michelle Visage. Fun Fact: I told Ben that he should make a movie about her with Jen. I apologise profusely. Manila and Monique once again stole the show, with Naomi’s fake tan and Valentina’s trash a close third and fourth. Tragically poor Latrice and Monét once again struggled, leaving Manila and Monique to battle out to save their friends. Despite a strong lip sync, Monique snatched victory and tragically said farewell to Latrice, despite everyone believing she was too beloved to be eliminated.

The mood was understandably somber when the queens returned in the Werk Room, with Manila feeling guilty to have let down her sister once again. Monique was heartbroken to have to send Latrice home, though felt that Monét had the strongest report card and as such she made the right decision. And well, Naomi was just proud her wig stayed on. On the flip side Manila was wracked with guilt, not only for not being able to save her dear friend but also because if she had won, she would have eliminated the girl that had been performing better and had to go with the heart. Monét was obviously unhappy about it and felt Manila was shady, but come on … its Latrila. She had no real choice. Though damn Manila, if you fall in the bottom – you in danger gurl!

The next day the queens returned to learn that this week they aren’t only mourning the loss of Latrice, but also dear, iconic Lady Bunny who they will be roasting at her funeral. Yes, yes, yes – may she roast in peace. Given Monique is the current champ, she got to select the roast’s running order, handing Monét first position, Trinity second, Monique third, Naomi fourth, Valentina fifth and Manila closing the show. In an attempt to bury her as she has the most pressure.

Oh and Monét is a funeral crasher.

Valentina was feeling nervous ahead of Ru’s walkthrough, though given her joke’s punchline was the scent of a wet cum rag, I feel she is in danger. Monét was feeling nervous about opening the show but was desperate to redeem herself after last week, and destroy Bunny in the process. Ru reminded Valentina that while she was safe in the season 9 roast, is wasn’t necessarily good and she really needed to work extra hard. And having worked opposite Lady Bunny doesn’t seem to be helping. Ru congratulated Trinity for being funny, however she couldn’t move past the fact she landed in the bottom three for the season 9 roast. Manila proved she had nothing to be worried about, cracking Ru up in her walkthrough with inside jokes since she knows Bun Bun.

And apparently Naomi still doesn’t exist. Nor does Monique.

Monét arrived for coaching from guest judge SNL’s Cecily Strong and while she started soft, Ms Strong’s advice pushed her in the right direction. Valentina arrived with her three jokes, all of which were way harsh and as such Cecily felt she needed to tone them done. Monique was near perfection channelling a preacher, however she didn’t really leave Cecily any space to give advice. Trinity was confusing as hell, Naomi seemed confident but didn’t have much content and Manila seemed to be stuck in her head, though Cecily gave her a pep talk to own closing the show.

Elimination day rolled around and Valentina was no more confident than yesterday, leading to a discussion about how people will be voting should they win the challenge. Monét was obviously vowing to stick to whoever did the worst, while Naomi threw shade at Manila until she finally cracked and explained that her choice to get rid of Monét if she had won was never a vote to get her out, but one to save her dearest friend. And those decisions will get harder each week, as she is getting closer to every one of the girls. Which Monét finally listened to.

Manila then went one step further that when she gets the chance next, she will make her own decision. Which obviously made everyone nervous.

The roast arrived and by that, Lady Bunny was wheeled out in her coffin and Monét kicked off the show slaying the house down and making the dearly departed Bunny giggle in her coffin. Trinity bombed from the very joke and struggled to get the rest out, Monique’s preacher character brought life back to the show with boob and load jokes, not that Valentina was impressed. Poor Naomi couldn’t land any jokes, but she was adorable and laughed at them even though nobody else was. Valentina started off strongly blaming the grieving telenovela friend, though it went downhill extremely quickly. And was so bad it almost became good. Manila arrived in full mourning mode and completely snatched the show, roasting the room and having everyone in stitches.

Then Lady Bunny came back to life, jumped out of her coffin Shangela style, threw shade at Bianca Del Rio and the remaining contestants before re-dying Vanjie style.

On the runway Monét looked stunning serving sacred heart clergywoman realness, Trinity came as a beautiful angel, Monique brought another heart, though not as good as Monét. Naomi paid glorious homage to Prince, Valentina served angel trapped in a fishing net realness and Manila served Greek Goddess realness and was beat for one too. The judges loved everything Monét served up this week, Trinity’s look was praised however the judges felt she overthought the roast – and therefore bombed – the judges went her roast character though distracted from some of the jokes and they weren’t sure about her runway look. Naomi’s Prince look was universally beloved, though the judges didn’t feel it could overcome her shitty roast. Valentina’s look was praised, though her roast was roasted and Manila received praise for roast to runway. With that Monét and Manila obviously landed in the top two, however in a gag of the season the remaining girls all landed in the bottom.

The queens returned to the Werk Room to deliberate with Monét thrilled that she is the only one safe from Manila’s potential wrath. Trinity was quick to point out her killer track record, Monique pointed out that she has won two challenge, though this is now her second time in the bottom. Naomi felt sick given she has been coasting by as safe all season and Valentina argued that while she has been in the bottom, she didn’t deserve to be there and she feels she was very funny this week. Not understanding the difference between laughing at and with people. She then flagged Monique and Naomi as the worst and it is clear, she is aligned with Trinity.

Naomi pulled Monét aside to highlight her consistency, in the hopes of saving herself. Despite Valentina having her back, Trinity suggested that Manila send Valentina home, however Manila thought that sending home her bigger threat in Trinity may make the most sense. Valentina continued to wear Delusion by Jinkx, telling Monét she was not the worst and Naomi reminded Manila about her consistency. Naomi and Monique got together to talk about their fear if Manila snatches the lip sync, confident that Monét will send Valentina home who they believe did the worst. Speaking of which, she went and reminded Manila how well she has performed. Despite no one agreeing with her. By the end of it, neither Manila or Monét really wanted to win as it’s all too stressful and hard.

Both queens owned the Aretha lip-sync from the very first bar, serving semi-synchronised choreography and hitting every damn syllable. They kiki-ed, wagged tongues and TBH gave me life, which made their double win completely justified. Despite both winning, Ru announced that no one will be going home tonight and All Stars rules have been suspended until further notice. They were then sent to the Werk Room to await further instruction, where they found a message from Ru announcing they will be lip syncing for their life, life, life, life … AND THEN Lady Bunny appeared behind the mirror to point out that Jasmine, Farrah, Gia and Latrice are back, back, back again and those four life-s feel very ominous.

As soon as I saw the shocking though totally not shocking ending, I turned around to Emmy Nominee Raven and understood why she pushed so hard to drop by for this week episode!

“I thought you’d need to have a back-up ready to go, and who better than the queen of the runner-ups?” she said with a sly grin.

That is why I love Raven. She is a total icon, understands that she is the true winner of season 2 since Tyra Sanchez is a total monster and most importantly, she doesn’t mind joking at her own expense. Did I also mention she is an Emmy Nominee … that was also robbed of a victory? In any event, it was such a delight to see my dear Raven – non-elimination episode or not – and share a warm, hearty Ravenison and Mushroom Pie to deal with the miserable(wish) weather Brisbane is living through ATM.

I know what you’re thinking – venison? Is this sicko expecting me to cook and eat Bambi’s mother? Well yes, but if you’re really not game – get it? Classic – you could sub out the beef. But then you’re missing out on most of the rich, glorious flavour that works so beautifully with the earthy mushrooms and the tang of ale. Obviously this is my first time working with venison given it isn’t the most Brisbane friendly meat, so I stuck pretty closely to Jamie Oliver’s recipe and I’m glad I did.

Just give it a chance, ok? I promise you will enjoy it!

Ravenison and Mushroom Pie
Serves: 4.

Ingredients
olive oil
2 onions, peeled and sliced
1 tbsp butter
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 sticks celery, sliced
500g button mushrooms, sliced
1 kg stewing venison, diced
a few sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves picked and chopped
a few sprigs fresh thyme leaves
2 bay leaves
salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp flour
1 tbsp gin
500ml ale, preferably Scottish
1 sheet all-butter puff pastry
1 egg, whisked

Method
Heat a lug of olive oil in a dutch oven over low heat. Add the onion and sweat for 10 minutes, or until soft and sweet. Up to medium heat and add the butter, garlic, carrot, celery and mushrooms, and cook stirring for a minute or two. Add the venison, rosemary, thyme and bay leaves with a good whack of salt and pepper and flour. Cook for a couple of minutes, or until coated and the flour is claggy.

Pour in the gin and ale and stir until the flour has dissolved. Bring to the boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for an hour or so, or until thick and reduced.

Preheat the oven to 180°C.

Once thick and gelatinous, transfer the stew to a pie dish, cover with the puff pastry and score a couple of steam holes before brushing with the egg and placing in the oven to bake for 30 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

Serve immediately with a heap of Gabriel Mash and devour.

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Latrikir Royale

Drink, RuPaul's Drag Race, RuPaul's Drag Race 4, TV Recap

Previously on All Stars Snatch Game rolled around with a spin, seeing the queens split into two to vie for the love of Gus Kenworthy and Keiynan Lonsdale – and TBH, who doesn’t want to be split in two by those two. While Manila and Trinity clearly shined, Valentina struggled and Latrice got distracted by the too much unprofessionalism of Gia, who once again choked on the challenge and landed in the bottom next to Valentina. Trinity was thrilled to finally get rid of Gia and her mind games, however Manila admitted that getting rid of a threat in Valentina may be the smartest move going forward. Not so smart was the fact she told both Trinity and Valentina before sending Gia home, painting a big ol’ target on her back.

Back in the Werk Room with Monique thrilled to be free of Gia and hot damn, how did I just realise there was a cow on her hat? Manila praised Gia for who she is and how well she performs, though admitted that her pot-stirring was too much to handle. As the girls continued to kiki Manila congratulated Trinity on truly dominating Snatch Game, though was thrilled that on Wikipedia she is listed as the winner and she has the $10k to back it up. Trinity shared that she too would have sent home Gia, as she planned to play a fair game and Valentina was stronger than Gia. With no one around to stir the pot, Valentina and Gia told the other queens that Manila had floated the idea of getting rid of Val … though obviously sold it as being thankful that Manila decided to play fair.

The next day the queens arrived to learn that this week’s challenge would send them all the way to Jersey for Michelle to dish out a little bit of justice in a Judge Judy and RHONJ hybrid. The queens split into teams, with Latrice, Monét and Monique joining to argue the case ‘how ‘bout them cakes,’ Naomi and Manila snagged ‘you made me look like a bitch, bitch,’ while Valentina and Trinity paired up for what will no doubt be the case of the century, ‘I was snookered by Snooki.’

Monét was feeling hella confident, given her passion for Judge Judy while Monique was concerned about how to balance three performances in the challenge. Monique was arguing that her wedding was ruined by Latrice the baker and her daughter played by Monét. And Latrice was struggling to jump in during rehearsal, so it looks like it will be a disaster. Meanwhile Naomi was so excited to be working with Manila as she is a massive, and they really seemed to be vibing. Trinity on the other hand was super concerned about Valentina and her attempted accents, which ranged from the deep south to god knows where. Though she can do voices, so relax guys!

First up were Manila and Naomi, with Manila sueing Naomi for making her look like a bitch at her high school reunion. Literally, since Naomi ran a dog grooming business and Manila got confused. Given Naomi is covered in the same shade of tan that Donald Trump wears and pulled out a Teresa Giudice joke and Manila literally barked her way through getting kicked out of the room, I obviously approve of this pairing. Monique, Latrice and Monét were up next, with Monique owning from the start, while Latrice served only looks and then bombed when she started talking. Poor Monét didn’t arrive until half-way through and while she pulled out some good jokes, she then started to get lost and it fell flat. They did finish with an epic Jerry Springer style bitch-fight though followed by a make-out, and I love that. Trinity opened her improv by forgetting her name, though slowly improved throughout. Particularly once Valentina rolled in late looking a hot mess and gave Trinity a killer character to play off.

Elimination day rolled around and Naomi threw some glorious shade at Asia while Monét was feeling her oats and looked forward to lip syncing for some cash. Manila too was feeling confident, though her confidence wasn’t misplaced. Unlike poor Latrice’s. Adding to the feelings of confidence, Trinity and Valentina congratulated each other on their killer performances. Maybe starting to question her performance, Latrice approached Trinity to call her out for forgetting her name at the start. Not taking it, Trinity called her out for having zero jokes with Valentina jumping in to agree that she didn’t perform very well. They both assured her that no one would send her home though – Valentina admitting she would rather send Trinity home – so to relax and focus on her runway.

Speaking of runway, the queens were padded for the gods with a swerves and curves runway with Manila slaying and serving pink old-lady quilt, Naomi was gorgeous as a failed housewife, Trinity served wave pool in the water-park realness, Valentina did a half-baked, half-baked drag look, Monique was over the top cow, Latrice shimmered down the runway and Monét owned channelling Kim K’s Paper shoot.

The judges loved everything Manila did from the challenge to the runway. Naomi was praised for her burnt-bake housewife look and serving full Jersey girl realness, though they wish she gave them more. They loved Trinity’s outfit, though they felt she held back during the challenge which she admitted she did to avoid overshadowing Valentina. The judges weren’t sold on Valentina’s runway, though they enjoyed her performance in the challenge and the fact she let go. Monique’s cow look received universal praise, as did her over the top performance in court. The judges thought Latrice looked beautiful on the runway, while felt Latrice didn’t give enough in the challenge. Everyone loved Monét’s look on the runway, though felt she didn’t have enough character in the challenge. With that Monique and Manila took out victory while Latrice and Monét found themselves in the bottom two.

Backstage Monique was thrilled to win, though upset that she has to send one of her teammates home. Poor Latrila both started to cry, with Latrice heartbroken that it could all be coming to an end. Trinity was disappointed that while Latrice has a good career, she felt that that shouldn’t save her when she hasn’t been performing well. Monét was scared gien how universally beloved Latrice is and doesn’t want to face off against her. Scared of losing focus, Valentina channelled Milk and complained about getting read despite being safe, before Monique told her to get over it and shut the hell up.

Monique and Monét got together, with Monique admitting that Latrice being in the bottom with her makes the decision difficult. Latrila on the other hand held each other and continued to cry, with Manila vowing to destroy the lip sync to save her friend. Trinity continued to get frustrated by Manila, annoyed by the fact she will keep Latrice no matter how well Monét performed. Monét pulled Manila aside to try and convince her that she needs to stay, though Manila essentially admitted that there is no way she isn’t saving her friend. Meanwhile over with Monique and Latrice, Monique spoke about the OG’s importance to the community and Latrice assured her that she won’t be stumbling again if she keeps her. And then reminded her that she wouldn’t be anywhere else, and that includes wedding planning. Which is nek level guilt.

Monique and Manila looked ready to destroy my frenemy Elton’s The Bitch is Back as performed by Tina Turner – who I really need to see soon – with Elt reminding them not to fuck it up via video. Both queens slayed the lip sync, however Monique gave it a messiness that totally worked for Tina and as such, snatched victory. And kept her wig on to boot! Poor Manila immediately started to cry, concerned about Latrice’s welfare. Which turned out being prophetic, as Monique sent the iconic Latrice out of the game.

While Latrice wasn’t thrilled to find herself out of the competition, she was thrilled to see her dear friend backstage to provide her with some comfort. I did admit that I agreed that being a legend shouldn’t guarantee you continue in the competition, however I followed it up by reminder her that there is likely to be a comeback challenge and that is where she can show them why a legend deserves to be there. We were extremely drunk on Latrikir Royale though, so hopefully she heeds my advice in the morning.

A kir royale is one of the easiest cocktails you can throw together, but it proves that sometimes the easiest things are also the best. Which is what I had on my dating profiles in my youth. I mean, sparkling topped up with sweet, sweet liqueur? Swoon.

Enjoy!

Latrikir Royale
Serves: 2.

Ingredients
¼ cup creme de cassis
⅔-1 cup sparkling white wine, chilled

Method
Split the liqueur even amongst the two sparkling glasses.

Top with sparkling.

Down. Lather, rinse and repeat.

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Lygia Gunntini Fizz

Drink, RuPaul's Drag Race, RuPaul's Drag Race 6, TV Recap

Previously on All Stars Ru auditioned the remaining queens to form a supergroup and collaborate with the iconic Henny. Instead of focusing on the task at hand, Gia continued to focus on the task of driving storylines and creating drama, pestering Farrah all episode and getting into her head before going on stage. Sadly Monique’s homage to Aaliyah was just as bad as Farrah’s attempt to dance landing them in the bottom, while Monet and Valentina slayed the competition. Most surprisingly, Valentina then slayed the lip sync sans mask, snatched the 10,000 doo-lahs and kicked Farrah to the kerb. Despite still loving her.

Unlike Gia.

Back in the Werk Room the queens gave her a round of ooohhhhs before Valentina explained that she eliminated Farrah as she had done poorly in both challenges and she didn’t feel it was fair to give her a third chance before Monique got a second. Which is tragically not very villainous, which is how I like her. That being said, Naomi felt it was a sign that the competition was on and she looked forward to booting some of her friends if given the chance. Latr ila pivoted and congratulated Valentina for finally knowing the lyrics in a lip-sync, which annoyed Monet as she felt she also slayed and really wanted the win. Speaking of Monet, she too had selected ~~Jasmine Masters~~ Farrah. Things obviously went back to Gia who spoke about Farrah telling her she didn’t love her. Oh and while Gia normally brings the drama, Trinity decided to get in on the action and questioned Monet’s outfit decision for the lip sync.

The queens returned the next day to discover they would be doing a Bitchelor-Snatch Game crossover, called the Snatch Game of Love where they would each try and woo a Snatchelor while doing their celebrity impressions. Naomi was nervous about Snatch Game given her failure in Season 8, though she was feeling confident in her choice of Wendy Williams. Monet was feeling good given how she slayed in Season 10, though did admit that she also had the challenge of meeting high expectations. Latrice was hoping this season would feature less romper room fuckery as she plays Della Reese, while Manila was concerned that she has been out of the race for too long and wouldn’t live up to her Imelda Marcos from Season 3.

While Gia tried to pick up Valentina she announced that she would be playing Eartha Kitt in Snatch Game while Gia was planning to play Caitlyn Jenner. Which is conveniently who Trinity was doing, leading to a face-off between the queens with no one buying that Gia should have it because they are both trans. Thankfully Latrice broke the stand-off, deeming Trinity’s Caitlyn better than Gia’s and as such she needed to go with her back-up of Cardi B’s Insta-Celeb nail artist. Of course Gia gave a delightful parting shot, explaining that while trans playing trans would have been nice, an old white plastic bitch playing an old white plastic bitch probably made the most sense. I mean, I know there can be such thing as too much drama but damn Gia keeps things interesting.

With that we arrived at the first Snatch Game of Love panel featuring Monet as my dear Whitney Houston, Naomi as Wendy Williams, Trinity as the successful Caitlyn Jenner – another dear friend – and Valentina as Eartha Kitt vying for the love of my boyfriend Gus Kenworthy – who is almost ready to appear on this patch of cyberspace, FYI. Despite a killer Maya Angelou, Monet struggled with Whitney Houston, bombing alongside Valentina while Trinity steamrolled the competition and won Gus’ heart. Though Naomi did nail it, particularly when she fainted on the way out the door. Oh and mad props to Naomi for loving Trinity owning the competition and Valentina for referencing the greatest movie of all time, The Emperor’s New Groove.

The second panel vying for Keiynan Lonsdale’s affection featured Monique as Tiffany Haddish, Manila and Nicole Kidman’s Hours nose as my dear Barbra Streisand, Gia as Jenny Bui and Latrice as icon and my dearly departed friend Della Reese. Gia came through with enough romper room fuckery to annoy the hell of Latrice and take her out of her role, while Manila rose above the mess and slayed the competition, ultimately winning Keiynan’s heart.

Elimination Day rolled around and Monet was feeling nervous after bombing her panel, though was thankful that Gia bombed harder. On the flipside, Manila congratulated Trinity on owning the competition before they agreed that Gia would be in the bottom with one of Monet, Valentina and I’ll throw in Latrice for good measure. Clearly feeling her oats, Manila floated that while Gia will clearly be in the bottom it may actually be better to take out a threat. Out loud. In front of threats. Meanwhile Gia and Latrice met up with the former apologising for fucking up Latrice’s Snatch Game, and it really seemed genuine. Though I thought that last week.

We then got a nice little interlude hearing about Manila being married and Latrice preparing for his wedding, and finding a love note from his fiancé in his luggage and damn I am crying. Latrice is delightful and I love that she found love. Manila then admitted that she had girlfriends in High School and damn, that is a pivot. Particularly since she had sex with them, since humans are beautiful creatures. Which legit lead to Monet talking about aliens.

On the runway Ru served legs and damn, I am moister than when Gus and Keiynan arrived earlier. Monet kicked off booting the house down, channelling Manila in chanelling Nicole Kidman serving BMX bandits realness. Naomi played Malificent, Trinity slayed in leather and beads, while Valentina wore full body boots with a very bunchy patch of leather in her snatch. Monique was served a nicer version of her offensive Aaliyah outfit by channelling a crafty Red Riding Hood. Manilla owned the runway as a BDSM bunny while Gia was going for a Rhianna denim look, though it was a cringe as Britney’s. Latrice was gorgeous dripping in jewels from tit to toe.

Monet and Monique both finished safe, before Naomi was praised for her Snatch Game performance though read for not really wearing boots. Trinity received glowing praise for literally everything she did, with Ross saying her Caitlyn was one of the best snatches ever. While everyone liked her saggy-crotched outfit, her Snatch Game was panned for studying too hard on Eartha and not having fun. Manila too received praise for literally everything, while Gia’s outfit was liked while, well, we all saw her Snatch Game. Though Gus thanked her for making a difference for the trans community. And Latrice was obviously loved on the runway, though read for being unable to focus while Gia was tearing her down. Obviously Trinity and Manila snatched the win, while Gia was joined in the bottom two by Valentina.

Backstage – while Gus and Keiynan (thumb) wrestled onstage – Trinity pulled Manila aside to see if she was still thinking about taking out a threat. Manila questioned that maybe keeping Gia would be enough to turn her attitude around, and given Valentina won last week it would make sense to take out the competition. Trinity cautioned her that it would instantly make her a target and she needs to weigh up whether it was worth it, working hard to guarantee her friend’s safety. Gia and Manila caught up, with Gia admitting to being overwhelmed by competing in the competition as a trans woman. She then broke down, saying she is sick of being looked at as a man dressing as a woman and she feels like being back is dragging her back to her messier ways. Like me, Manila felt that Gia is trying to be nice and not bring anyone down, but I’m not sure if that is enough to save her.

Meanwhile Trinity pulled Valentina aside to let her know that she will be fighting to win that lip sync, as if Manila wins it is highly likely she will be sending Valentina home over the weaker Gia. Trinity and Gia caught up, with Gia congratulating her on her win and Trinity reminding Gia that no matter what, she supports and loves her. On the other side of the Werk Room Manila admitted to Valentina that she was considering sending her home, before her motives became very clear. Manila floated the idea that she would save her, if she was guaranteed safety from Valentina if the roles were reversed. This obviously pissed off Valentina, who instead opted to challenge her to fight fair and they can battle it out at the top.

In other news, despite it only being thumb wrestling and they weren’t wearing lycra, the boys looked hot as hell and I love it.

Trinity and Manila battled it out to my girl Whitney’s How Will I Know, though Manila honestly won it ten seconds in playing up the giddy, loved up young girl and it was fucking glorious. It was also glorious sitting there for the entire lip sync wondering which way Manila would opt to go when it came it eliminating. Despite her threats Manila opted to go the fair – or safest – route, eliminating Gia and keeping Valentina around to fight another day.

Gia was absolutely not here to find herself eliminated from the competition, though respected that she really didn’t do great in Snatch Game. Given I have known Gia forever – I mean, I am essentially part of the Haus of Edwards given how close I am to Alyssa, Shangie and Laganja – she was thrilled to see someone that truly got and loved her backstage. Particularly since I was packing a tray of Lygia Gunntini Fizzes.

Based off a Nigella recipe, I cut back on the lychee flavour – I find it too much, which is something I never felt I would say – to focus on the burn rather than the sweet floral flavour. But maybe that is your jam, so double the liqueur if it is.

Enjoy!

Lygia Gunntini Fizz
Serves: 2.

Ingredients
60ml white rum
60ml vodka
60 ml lychee liqueur
ice, to serve
1 cup soda water
2 lychees, to garnish

Method
Place the white rum, vodka and liqueur in a cocktail shaker, and shake to combine.

Fill two glasses with ice and pour the liquor amongst them. Top with soda water and a lychee.

Down.

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Farraspberry Macaroans

Baking, Dessert, RuPaul's Drag Race, RuPaul's Drag Race 9, Snack, Sweets, TV Recap

Previously on All Stars ten of the most sickening queens returned to the werk room for another – another another for Latrice and Manila – shot at the crown. Everyone was playing to win, except for Gia who was here for causing drama and TBH I live for it. In any event, Monique and Trinity took out victory despite Latrice and Gia’s arguably more showy variety show performances, whilst Farrah landed in the bottom with Jasmine who tragically became the first boot after failing to prepare for her standup routine.

The queens ruturned to the week room, heartbroken to be missing their jush and fully aware that the competition is well and truly on. Trinity warned her fellow queens that eliminating each other is harder than she thought, though Monet countered that that is the game and she is ready to play. After reflecting on the iconic nature of her hair in the rafters, Monique admitted that she too would have eliminated Jasmine if she had one the lip sync. Mainly because she felt she was eliminated before her time in season 10 and wanted to extend some grace to Farrah. Gia however felt it was just delaying the inevitable. Obviously.

The next day the queens arrived where Valentina was serving an interesting outfit, though it ended in her flashing her cakes … so yeah. Tragically before anymore nudity could occur Ru arrived to announce this week’s challenge where the queens would be split into two teams to audition for his new supergroup Henny. As last week’s victors Trinity and Monique got to select their teams, with Trinity snatching Valentina, Latrice and Manilla, while Monique picked Monet, Naomi and Farrah, which sent Gia to Trinity’s team by default. Much to her chagrin.

After bequeathing songs to each group – Don’t Funk It Up and Er’rybody Say Love, respectively – Ru dropped the most important and downright iconic information on the queens. You see, their bands would not just be dedicated to Queen Henny Stacy Layne Matthews, but would be joined on stage with Henny herself. With Manilla far more excited than you would expect after the Heathers and Boogers days.

They broke up into their groups with Farrah dazzling her teammates with a twerk and the promise not to cry. Meanwhile over at Team Trinity she and Valentina were hoping to channel Bebe’s Jungle Kitty verse, while Gia was hoping to include an inspirational message in her verse and Manilla wanted to motivate people to power ahead which sounds boring. What isn’t boring however is the fact Gia shared that she and Farrah had a huge fight prior to arriving in All Stars as Farrah tried to repair a relationship between Gia and a friend … super drunk, while Gia was working. While her teammates encouraged her to use their time in the week room to repair their relationship, Gia was happy to see her go out ASAP.

Team Monique recorded their song first, with Monique proudly crowning herself the best singer in their team. Though Monet was concerned as while Monique has grand visions, the executions generally suck. That being said, she seemed to nail it as did Monet who rapped rather than went with opera. While Farrah wasn’t the best singing, we did learn she worked as a female phone sex operator and I live for it. And am kinda wet, which worries me that I’m straight.

Oh and we saw nothing from Naomi.

Gia kicked things off for Team Trinity, not wanting to do warm-ups and calling people hags whilst missing more notes than Monet last week. Valentina has come back with a delicious brand of crazy akin to Charo and slayed her recording, while Manilla seemed like the girl who was bullied into choir by her alpha friend. We saw nothing of Latrice and Trinity and I’m pretty sad about it.

Henny returned to work on choreography with each team, with Naomi fangirling over her as Monique taught everyone their moves. Well tried, Farrah was way too focused on the fact that there was choreography rather than a series of hair flicks which makes her plea to simplify the moves seem petty, rather than valid. Team Trinity didn’t seem to be doing much better with Gia trying to take control, no Valentina … Manilla, which confused and upset Henny, honestly.

Elimination Day rolled around with Gia quickly getting to work stirring the pot, asking Monique how Farrah is going. And while she tried to be diplomatic in her response, Gia needled her into admitted that Farrah triggers her and makes her nervous. Before taking the information directly back to Farrah. Surprisingly Farrah took it in her stride, didn’t cry and told her to focus on getting ready, rather than stirring the pot. This triggered Gia to confront her about the drunken visit to her job. Farrah was not having it and told her to focus on her job rather than trying to push a storyline as Gia continued to pester her, forcing Monique and Monet to step in and stop the drama and undermining their team. Manilla however just thought it was stupid to pick on the weakest link, as prison rules say you target the strongest. And it didn’t work out well for her with Shangie.

Ciara and Kacey Musgraves joined Ru, Michelle and Ru on the judges table as the girl groups took to the Main Stage. Team Trinity got out to strong start with Latrice, Trinity owning the stage until Valentina arrived and murdered them all with her verse. Despite an infectious performance, Team Monique’s choreography seems wobbly. Particularly with Farrah’s white-girl rhythm. That being said, Naomi and Monet’s verses were lit and I love them. On the Eleguence After Dark Runway Gia looked stunning serving pageant barbie realness, while Latrice was iconic as always in a fitted spangled gown, as did Manilla who was gorgeous. Trinity showed skin in a gorgeous red gown, while Valentina served full blossoming bush and I loved it. Naomi served high fashion mirror, Monique pulled off a reveal, Farrah went classic showgirl while Monet finally served a look in an off the shoulder gown.

The judges sent Valentina, Naomi and Monet to the top, while Manilla, Monique and Farrah landed in the bottom. They loved everything about Manilla on the runway but hated her performance and felt she faded into the background. Valentina received universal praise, as did Naomi. Monique’s girl group look was praised, though the judges felt everything else about her performance was messy. The judges loved Farrah’s runway, but hated her Whitbread performance, while Monet’s rap was singled out as the best of the night, and finally got praise for her runway look. With that Monet and Valentina were singled out as the top two, while poor Farrah returned to the bottom – as per Gia’s wishes – with Monique.

Back in the Werk Room the queens congratulated Monet and Valentina on snatching the win, before Monique requested to please her case ASAP as she can not go home. Instead Valentina wanted to share something with the queens, talking about her need for lip sync redemption after mask gate which drove Trinity and Monique insane. Eventually Monique was able to talk to Valentina, saying that the only reason she was in the bottom was the jacket and her previous win should be taken into account. Though she should avoid talking about the outfit, as Valentina found it offensive to Aaliyah’s memory. Gia decided it was the perfect time to clear the air with Farrah … while she was pleading her case to Monet. Much to the shock of literally everyone in the cast. While the apology seemed kinda sincere, nobody was buying it and Trinity wished she was in the bottom instead just so they could get rid of her ASAP. Monique and Farrah swapped places, with both hopeful that their season-mates would pull through for them if they win. Though Valentina seemed to focus on trying to get an ok to eliminate Farrah for the entire discussion, and Farrah appeared to be successful in guilting her way to safety.

Valentina arrived on stage for lip sync without anything mask adjacent in site. Couple that with the fact she knew every lyric and she owned the lip sync from start to finish. Monet brought comedy, sex and the splits however they proved to be no match, handing Valentina the win and giving her a redemption we will no doubt hear about in next week’s deliberation. While Farrah seemed hopeful that she would be continuing in the competition, Valentina confidently yet heartbroken sent her from the competition, earning one more you don’t love me. This time as a joke. Though her ‘you don’t love me’ to Gia was 100% legit.

Farrah was obviously upset to be out of the competition, and was obviously in tears but boy did her sad little face light up when she spotted me in the Werk Room. She ran and fell into my arms, sobbing and laughing and so grateful that I’ve been there to catch her each time she fell on Drag Race. Well, not last week to be fair but two out of three ain’t bad. I held her until she caught her breath and had composed herself, reminded her that she was a beautiful talented queen and she is and forever will be an All Star. To drive the point home, I served it with a big ol’ batch of Farraspberry Macaroans.

Like Farrah, macarons may appear delicate but they do pack a punch amongst all that sweetness. The raspberry and poppy seeds work together beautifully to delight your taste buds, and your soul. I guess?

Enjoy!

Farraspberry Macaroans
Makes: 16-20.

Ingredients
¼ cup Mahersharaspberry Coulis, plus 2 tablespoons for the macaron
2 tbsp double cream
125g white chocolate
75g almond meal
75g icing sugar
1 egg whites
a few drops red food coloring powder
1 egg whites (from about about 2 small eggs)
pinch of salt
75g raw caster sugar
4 tsp water
¼ cup poppy seeds

Method
Combine the coulis, cream and chocolate in a small saucepan over low heat, and cook stirring until melted and well combined. Transfer to a small bowl and place in the fridge to chill.

Preheat the oven to 150C and line two baking sheets and prepare a small, plain tipped piping bag. Sift the icing sugar and almond meal into a large to remove all lumps.

Place one the egg whites in a bowl with a pinch of salt, the remaining coulis and a few drops of red food colouring, and whisk until well combined and starting to thicken. Add the bowl with the almond meal and fold through.

Place the remaining egg white in the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attached, while you combine the raw caster sugar and water in a saucepan. Dissolve the sugar over low heat before cranking to high and bringing to 112C. Start whipping the egg on medium-high speed while you continue to cook the syrup until it reaches 118C. Remove it from the heat immediately and slowly pour into the still whipping white. Continue to whip until the bowl is cool enough to touch and you’ve achieved silky, glossy stiff peaks. Gentle fold the italian meringue through the almond mixture until combined.

Transfer to a piping bag and pipe 3cm circles onto the lined baking sheets, leaving space for their inevitable expansion. Tap the sheets on the kitchen bench to remove air bubbles and sprinkle each with poppy seeds. Transfer to the oven to bake for 20 minutes before removing and allowing to cool completely, transferring to a wire rack a couple of minutes after removing them from the oven.

To assemble, place the ganache in a piping bag and pipe onto the base of half of the biscuits, sandwich with a ‘clean’ biscuit and place in a container to set. You can either eat after half an hour, or allow to chill overnight to really drive the flavours home.

Then devour.

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Jasmine Mustard Meatloaf

Main, RuPaul's Drag Race, RuPaul's Drag Race 7, TV Recap

Previously on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars BenDeLa, no Shangie, wait maybe we skip that one – though congrats Trixie my dear! Previously on Drag Race oh wait, butterfly genocide. How about the Holislay Spectacular? No, nothing? Well whether you like it or not my dear Ru, Michelle, Carson and Ross have sourced ten of the most sickening queens in the Runiverse to compete for a slot in the Drag Race Hall of Fame with Chad, Alaska and Trixie who shoulda been Shangie after DeLa won her own brand of prize. Tomfoolery.

In any event the heart of season 10, Monique Heart was the first queen to return to the week room looking brown cow stunning to reclaim her time and crown, now with more than glitter and Jesus in her suitcases. She was quickly joined by Trinity Taylor – who is now Trinity The Tuck – who shocked me by slaying season 9 and TBH, I am HERE for her slaying All Stars 4. Another person that grew on me as her season progressed was Naomi Smalls who ruturned on those giant pins, ready to come out from Bob’s shadow and show that she is more than a model. Speaking of Bob, her sib Monet Exchange also returned to soak up the competition and hopefully show some killer runways, despite the fact she turned up in a bodysuit.

They were joined by G-G-Gia who I am absolutely here for being here, particularly as she is now an out and proud trans woman. And she is always willing to bring the drama. Ooooooooohhhhhhhhh, my dear Farrah is here and whinier than ever, and hoping to prove that she is now ready to compete. Not that Monique is impressed … by her arse. The next queen needs no introduction – Queen Jush and global icon Jasmine Masters is back and hot damn I need her to win. Despite Monet not wanting anyone else from season 7 or 9, Fan Favourite Valentina has returned to show whether she can lip sync and I assume, to prove to Farrah once and for all that she loves her. Or lean into her Villaintina ways *please*

Despite selling it as ten queens, this is allegedly the complete set of All Stars 4 as Ru arrived to greet the queens and confirm All Stars rules are in full effect. Before things kicked off, Ru invited one final team to join the competition with Latr ila arriving in handcuffs, setting team fears into the heart of all queens. Say it with Farrah now, ooooohhhhhh.

Side note: Manila’s entry look is everything.

After getting reacquainted with the tragic tail of team Latrila, Ru quickly allayed our collective fears by welcoming them to compete as individuals and get a do-over after the All Stars 1 dumpster fire.

Not wanting to dwell for too long, the Pit Crew arrived to open the library for an opening reading challenge. Monet, Naomi and Monique got off to a strong start, Farrah struggled as expected, Trinity was pretty funny, Valentina was vicious, Jasmine was peak Jasmine and Gia was confusing. Latrice slayed the damn house down and Manila was cute, though I would have preferred drop dead gorgeous you know? In any event, Latrice rightly snatched the win. Before departing Ru announced that they’d be kicking off the season with an All Star Spangled Variety Show for an audience of LGBT veterans. Which Farrah obviously took to mean she could find herself a straight husband. With that the queens got to unpacking and kiki-ing, with Naomi excited to be on a season with Manila and Latrice given they are old as sin. Farrah and Trinity spoke about their talents, with Farrah going the usually successful burlesque number and Trinity doing a tucking tutorial. Monique announced the debut of her single Brown Cow Stunning, which Valentina lived for and Gia thought was defined to fail. Like Farrah, who she doesn’t believe is talented enough to be here.

The queens returned the next day with Monet nervous about singing live and Monique still excited about her song, before Jasmine shared that she would be doing stand-up as her talent. With zero preparation. Valentina removed her eyebrows with the queens worried about how late she is running before Gia stirred the pot, asking everyone who they felt would land in the bottom before suggesting Trinity will lose, given tucking isn’t a talent. Which is either going to bite Gia in Farrah’s pancake arse, or allow Trinity to surprise us.

Jennifer Lewis joined Ru, Mish, Cars and Ross on the judges panel as Monique kicked off the variety show, slaying the damn house down with her new single. Naomi did a better version of Milk’s fashionable lip sync from last season until she did a wig reveal to a male-pattern baldness wig and damn, it raised it to something special. Gia did a kabuki number and daaaaamn, it was stunning. Following Gia was Trinity’s tucking tutorial song-skit, which finished with the ultimate tight-tuck reveal. Farrah pulled out some burlesque in the hope of slipping into the top like Roxxxy and DeLa, however had to settle for slipping on the garments she threw on the floor and completely gave up. She was followed by another struggle street as opera singer Monet couldn’t find her notes while singing about her sponges, though thankfully she slayed the dancing. Manila painted to classical music and while the rest of the queens were confused, her mania and outfit changed sold the reveal that she painted the pot next to her. Poor Jasmine didn’t seem to make any jokes, let alone land them and I am so heartbroken. Thankfully Latrice arrived to bring some excitement to the show, doing a killer colour guard performance and proving why she is a damn icon. Rounding out the show was Valentina who made fun of her fail lip sync and gave a delightful lip sync performance.

Despite both deserving to be in the top, Latrice and Gia were declared safe with Manila and Valentina. Monique was praised by the judges for wearing actual cow print and slaying her performance. The judges loved Trinity’s ability to tell a complete story in a short time and for leaning into her comedic side and lived for Naomi’s ugly wig reveal. Clearly on the bottom end of the back, Monet was praised for her sponges though advised that she needs to elevate. And I assume, find a note. Farrah’s costume was praised, however they wished she could have come back from her stumble and not been so nervous. And Jasmine, well, they were concerned about the fact she didn’t prepare and gave a sub-par performance. Ultimately Trinity and Monique took out the win, with Farrah and Jasmine officially landing in the bottom two and up for elimination. Which obviously made Farrah cry.

Trinity was thrilled to be in the top but was anxious about having to eliminate one of the bottom queens. Farrah continued to struggle to accept her literal stumble, continuing to cry and annoy the hell out of Monique. Jasmine on the other hand couldn’t see her performance wasn’t funny. Monique pulled Farrah aside to deliberate assuring her that if she doesn’t stop crying, she will boot her ASAP which seemed to pull Farrah out and showed a fire I have never seen from her. Trinity promised Jasmine that she would be sending home the worst performer, but didn’t really say who she thought that was. When the bottom switched couches Trinity reiterated that Farrah needs to stop crying, while Jasmine couldn’t be bothered to fight for her place and damn, it is heartbreaking to see Jush so defeated.

Trinity and Monique lip synced to Mariah Carey’s Emotions which is still a bop, and while it seemed rather even between them Monique literally flipped her wig into the rafters, which allowed Trinity to take centre stage and own the lip sync. Despite a late breaking, orgasmic comeback from Monique, Trinity ultimately snatched the win and tragically cut the jush out of the competition, eliminating Jasmine Masters in tenth place. Who gave Farrah a pep talk on the way out and damn I love her and my heart is broken. It’s All Stars 4 you junkie whores, indeed.

While she firmly stood by the fact that her performance was funny, Jush took her elimination in stride. Despite Monet’s shady comments about season 7 being subpar, Jasmine is a true icon of the show and drag and she was more than worthy of her place in All Stars. And the Hall of Fame. Which I reiterated to her as she got her jush on and we smashed a Jasmine Mustard Meatloaf in preparation of the inevitable ruturning queens episode.

I know, I know – meatloaf has a bad reputation. But I love them, damnit and this one is bloody delicious. Side note: why am I ocker now? The tangy of the mustard punches through the melting meat and sharp cheddar. Then you add a thick, creamy sauce? That is my heaven.

Enjoy!

Jasmine Mustard Meatloaf
Serves: 4.

Ingredients
olive oil
1 onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
6 rashers streaky bacon, diced
500g veal mince
500g pork mince
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup wholegrain mustard
2 carrots, grated
1 zucchini, grated
2 tsp chilli flakes
½ cup parmesan cheese
handful flat-leaf parsley leaves, roughly chopped
2 eggs
salt and pepper, to taste
¾ cup sour cream
2 tbsp chives, sliced

Method
Preheat oven to 180°C.

Heat a lug of olive oil in a skillet and sweat the onion for a couple of minutes. Add the garlic and bacon and cook for a further couple of minutes, or until fragrant and cooked. Transfer to a bowl to cool.

Once it has cooled, add the mince, breadcrumbs, 3 tablespoons of mustard, carrots, zucchini, chilli, parmesan, parsley and eggs with a good whack of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined and press into a lined loaf tin. Transfer to the oven to bake for an hour, or until cooked through. You may need to cover in foil if it starts to look too browned. Remove from the oven to stand for ten minutes.

Whist standing, combine a tablespoon of mustard with the sour cream and chives.

To serve, slice the meatloaf and place on a bed of Gabriel Mash and drown in sauce.

Devour.

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Espressonique Martini

Drink, RuPaul's Drag Race, RuPaul's Drag Race 2

Guys, guys, guys, guys – can you let me pivot from counting down to All Stars with those personally victimised by the team twist of All Stars 1? I mean Sonique is making her triumphant return to the screen as part of today’s Holislay Spectacular – alongside Kim Chi, Jasmine, Shangie, Latrice, Trixie, Mayhem, Eureka – and she truly needs to be celebrated.

Plus, she came over to watch the episode with me so you’re going to have to deal right?

I’ve known Sonique for years, meeting through Chad, Morgan, Raja and Detox, when they worked together on The Dreamgirls Revue. Sonique was always the absolute sweetest, and my heart swelled to see her proudly become the first contestant to come out as transgender on season 2’s Reunited. And even more excited to see her perform in the Holislay Spectacular following her full confirmation.

After catching-up, laughing and her dancing around my request for spoilers from the set, we toasted to Christmas, the All Stars 4 queens and our ongoing success. With an Espressonique Martini, of course!

It is a fact universally acknowledged that espresso martinis are the best alcoholic beverage of all time. Refreshing, strong and oh so tasty, they’re the perfect way to start, continue and finish your evening. Or day. No judgement. I mean, it does kinda pass as cold brew, right?

Enjoy!

Espressonique Martini
Serves: 2.

Ingredients
4 shots coffee liqueur
4 shots vodka
4 shots espresso
ice

Method
Pour the liqueur, vodka and espresso in a large cocktail shaker.

Fill with ice.

Shake.

Pour into martini glasses, straining the ice.

Down.

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Jujubees

Dessert, RuPaul's Drag Race, RuPaul's Drag Race 2, Snack, Sweets, TV Recap

While most of my pre-All Stars catch-ups have focussed on the people most screwed by the teams twist, I decided to flip the script and focus on someone that wasn’t impacted – my dear friend Jujubee. It would be nice to see how she would perform by herself, obviously, however she and Raven were arguable the team that worked best together and didn’t have a weak link.

No tea no shade, but how bloody lucky did Shannel get to be dragged to the final four?

I first met Jujubee through her fellow season 2 queen Pandora, and was immediately taken by her talent. As I am wont to do, we quickly became the best of friends thanks to our wit, charm and smutty humour, and I vowed to make her a star.

An untimely deportation and stint in rehab saw me tragically let her down and have to put the plans on hold, but sweet Juju never held it against me and we’ve remained the best of friends despite my many failings.

Given Jujubee is such a delight, she jumped at the opportunity to drop by and celebrate the upcoming season of All Stars. Particularly when she heard the menu included something as sweet as her – my jujubees.

Chewy and sweet, jubes are the unsung hero of the snack world. I mean, chocolates, salted caramel and chips get all the glory, M&Ms are the best, but be honest with yourself, have you ever been able to go past (a red or purple) jube? You can’t and these are super easy to boot.

Enjoy!

Jujubees
Serves: 6-8.

Ingredients
150g frozen raspberries, thawed
400g raw caster sugar, plus extra to coat
25g powdered gelatine
1 tbsp glucose syrup

Method
Combine raspberries, 1 tbsp sugar and a quarter cup of water in a small saucepan, and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat and press the berries through a fine sieve, discarded all the pulp and seeds.

Combine the gelatine with a quarter of a cup of boiling water in a jug and whisk until it dissolves.

Meanwhile combine the raspberry liquid, remaining sugar, glucose and a cup of water in a large saucepan. Bring to the boil, stirring constantly, until the liquid reaches 116˚C on a sugar thermometer. Remove from heat and whisk in the gelatine. Pour into a lined loaf tin and place in the fridge to set overnight.

To assemble, use an oiled knife to cut into cubes before tossing in sugar.

Devour immediately.

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Bentora Boxx

Main, Poultry, RuPaul's Drag Race, RuPaul's Drag Race 2, Snack, Street Food

If anyone needs justice for the horror twist that was the ‘synergy’ twist of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 1, it is my dear friend Pandora Boxx. Particularly if you ask her. I mean, not only did she end up with Mimi Imfurst against her will, she couldn’t get out of her head long enough to make it work and she became the first boot.

While it was tragic, it is kind of iconic that she continued her Drag Race Susan Lucci streak.

Given she is all here for wiping everything but Chad’s win from the record, Pand was thrilled to to drop by and help me countdown to All Stars 4 and honour team Latr ila coming back for their ru-rudemptions.

I’ve known Pandy for years, meeting at the festival where she saw Darienne Lake performing that inspired her to take a dip into drag. Well with a gentle nudge from me too, of course. I saw her across the field and I was immediately taken by her big expressive eyes, so made a move and offered to split my meal with her.

While the love that bloomed that day didn’t last, her passion for my Bentora Boxx never died.

Is a bento a lazy recipe? Sure. But once you’ve had this, I’m promise you’ll be eating your words and these delights like a giddy school kid. I mean, how can you go past bite sized treats?

Enjoy!

Bentora Boxx
Serves: 6.

Ingredients
500g chicken mince
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, roughly chopped
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup guacamole
400g can mixed beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup Salsa Struthers
1 batch Tortea Leoni Chips

Method
Preheat oven to 1808C.

Combine the mince, paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne, coriander and breadcrumbs in a large bowl and scrunch with your hands until well combined. Shape into golf-ball sized balls and place on a lined baking sheet. Transfer to the oven to bake for ten minutes, or until cooked through.

To serve, place a couple of balls in each bento with a dollop of guac, some beans and salsa and chips, for dippin’.

Then, obvi, devour.

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Stuffed Zuccnina Flowers

RuPaul's Drag Race, RuPaul's Drag Race 1, Side, Snack, Tapas

Hot damn! Another month, another season of RuPaul’s Drag Race is rolling around with All Stars 4. I mean, can you believe that it was only eight months ago that Ru and Michelle brought about the tomfoolery of a jury, leading to Shangela’s robbery after becoming the front-runner after BenDeLaCreme self-eliminated, leaving the public to question the validity of poor Trixie’s win despite the fact she is a killer queen?

Fun times.

Once again I’ve decided to serve justice for the queens of All Stars 1 and am assembling a group to help me count down to the fresh season. Because not everyone can get redemption like Latr ila – werk – this season!

Given I was feeling some robbed-goddess realness, I reached out to the OG runner-up slash Miss Congeniality and one of the most negatively impacted by the teams of All Stars, my dear friend Nina Flowers. No shade to Planet Tammie, whom I love.

Neens was thrilled to final be able to drop by and get the publicity boost that comes with being on this patch of cyberspace. And to reconnect with one of her biggest fans. I mean, back when the vaseline lensed season 1 rolled around, Nina was serving bald, tattooed zaddy realness and I was here for it.

I was so obsessed in fact, that I would make her picnic lunches for us to share. With my Stuffed Zuccnina Flowers being the dish that made her most likely to reciprocate my feelings.

I used to be completely creeped out by the idea of eating zucchini flowers. No doubt left over from fearing actual zucchinis as a child. Then I decided to brave them in my pursuit of Nina owning me, and lets just say I fell in love. The delicate floral flavour mixed with lemon, chilli and cheese fried to molten perfection is, well, perfection.

Enjoy!

Stuffed Zuccnina Flowers
Serves: 4.

Ingredients
12 zucchini flowers, stymens removed but baby zucchini attached
⅔ cup fresh ricotta
½ cup pecorino, grated
1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes
1 lemon, zested
1 cup cornflour
½ cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 ½ cups soda water
vegetable oil, for frying
kosher salt, for serving

Method
Combine the ricotta, pecorino, chilli and lemon in a bowl, and spoon into the flowers. Lightly press the top to close and place on a lined baking sheet while you fill the rest.

Meanwhile whisk the cornflour, flour, baking powder and soda water in another bowl, and bring 2cm of oil to hot heat in a large saucepan. Once scorching, dip the flowers in the batter and place into the oil a couple at a time. Cook for a couple of minutes, flipping once, or until golden and crisp.

Serve immediately, lightly salted.

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Aguaria Fresca

Drink, RuPaul's Drag Race, RuPaul's Drag Race 10, TV Recap

Previously on RuPaul’s Drag Race, 14 new queens descended on the Werk Room. Miss Vanjie became a pop-culture icon as she backed out of the mainstage first, followed by – yep, doing this again – Kalorie, Yuhua, Dusty Ray, Mayhem, Blair, Monique, The Vixen, Monét and Cracker, leaving us with a battle royale for the crown between Texas, a Tennessee duo and the sole remaining NYC queen. Poor Asia committed the largest mass butterfly homicide on television to finish in fourth place, leaving Eureka and Kameron to battle it out with Aquaria for the crown.

Which they sadly lost, keeping the crown in NYC and returning it to the Haus of Needles. Where, TBH, it rightfully belongs.

Despite an extremely soft start in the first round of the finale, Aquaria was given a save – in my opinion – due to her slaying the mainstage competition from start to finish. Even at times when you thought she would fail – read: Snatch Game – she played to her strengths and shined bright. I mean, any hole is a goal is essentially now Melania’s motto, am I right?

I pulled Aquaria into my arms as soon as she walked off stage and praised her on her win, particularly given she didn’t push the gimmicks so far in the finale that they overwhelmed her. I held her hand high, congratulated her and then toasted her victory with a fresh Aguaria Fresca.

Fresh, zingy and totally delicious, agua fresca is the perfect drink to fill you with joy, remind you of the positives of summer – aka on a beach, not at work – and quench your thirst after slaying a competition.

Prance my queens, then enjoy!

Aguaria Fresca
Serves: 6-8.

Ingredients
¼-½ seedless watermelon
3 limes, juiced
¼ cup raw caster sugar
1 cup mint leaves, roughly chopped plus extra to garnish
ice cubes, to serve
4 cups soda water

Method
Chuck the watermelon, lime juice, sugar and mint in a food processor and blitz until completely juiced. Sieve into a jug and place in the fridge to completely chilled.

When chill add ice and soda water to the jug and stir to combine. Serve immediately, garnished with additional mint like a victorious crown.

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	Hojichanine Lattalli… on Lena Wafers
	Hojichanine Lattalli… on Vanilla Ice Cream
	Hojichanine Lattalli… on Festive Cirie Fields Mush…
	Hojichanine Lattalli… on Herby Bentllia Chips
	Hojichanine Lattalli… on Shonudi Bowtell

Fame Hungry

Procrasti-baking with our celebrity faux-riends

RuPaul’s Drag Race

Ravenison and Mushroom Pie

Latrikir Royale

Lygia Gunntini Fizz

Farraspberry Macaroans

Espressonique Martini

Jujubees

Stuffed Zuccnina Flowers

Aguaria Fresca