It's Australia's Biggest Morning Tea time and well-known food personality and creative home-cook Georgia Barnes is urging Queenslanders to pop the kettle on and start baking to help create a cancer free future.
The MasterChef Australia alum who is a nutritionist has teamed up with Cancer Council Queensland to show her support as an official ambassador of the iconic campaign, sharing a mouth-watering recipe and her top entertaining tips.
In 2019, the official Australia's Biggest Morning Tea date is Thursday, May 23, and over 4000 morning tea hosts from around Queensland will gather in living rooms, community centres, schools and workplaces throughout May and June to celebrate and raise funds for cancer research, prevention programs and support services.
Ms Barnes, who resides in the bayside Brisbane suburb of Wellington Point, said it was a privilege to be involved in the campaign and play a role in raising awareness.
"It's such an important cause and what better way to raise much-needed funds than to enjoy one of the best parts of the day with friends, co-workers or the community," she said.
"I've had many loved ones in my life experience the devastating reality that is cancer, having lost my grandfather, my grandmother, and a close friend to the disease; My Aunty is also a breast cancer survivor.
"Sadly, I think most people have similar stories, or worse, especially when you hear that one person is diagnosed every 20 minutes in Queensland.
"I can't imagine where we'd be without the support and vision of Cancer Council Queensland, so I'm very happy to support this amazing cause, especially when it's so simple to do!
"It's in our culture – everyone loves a cuppa!"
Ms Barnes definitely loves a cuppa, saying while it's hard for her to pick a favourite type of tea, when it comes to morning tea time, she'll be choosing an Earl Grey.
She urged Queenslanders to join her in showing their support for Australia's Biggest Morning Tea by hosting an event before the end of June.
"As anyone who knows me knows that I am a huge fan of morning tea – there are so many delicious possibilities," she said.
"To host a morning tea, I'd recommend planning your menu in advance and think about portion sizes – individual serves are always a great idea.
"Make sure you have a varied selection of sweet, savoury, healthy and indulgent options. And, don't forget to style it.
"You don't need to go overboard or spend a lot of money to make a table look beautiful and inviting: Try dressing the table with a white table cloth or table runner, cut some fresh blooms from your garden and pop them into some glasses, dust off your tea set and arrange the food nicely on platters.
"Make it something special, it definitely adds to the fun and the atmosphere."
Since Australia's Biggest Morning Tea began in 1994, millions of Australians have come together over a cuppa and a bite to eat in support of those affected by cancer.
To host an event, or donate, visit biggestmorningtea.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85.
