My version of the Anzac Biscuit combines Australian cooking tradition
with ideas from New Zealander Annabel
Langbein. When you return from the Dawn Service and have a cuppa with an Anzac
Biscuit on April 25, remember these sweet versions were not the biscuits
designed to last in transit that our Soldiers ate. Over time, cooks have enhanced the humble
biscuit - but the core ingredients remain
– Rolled Oats, flour, sugar and golden syrup or treacle and most importantly,
thoughts of home.
My belief is that Anzac Day is not about celebration. It is a time to remember those who fought for our country. On April 25 we reflect on their sacrifice and give thanks for our freedom. Memories of visiting memorials, especially those in small Australian towns, and also of my travels to Gallipoli and the memorials to those who fought and suffered on both sides of the conflict will remain with me always.
Lest We Forget.
Preparation: 15 minutes (allow additional
time needed if soaking raisins)
Baking: 15 minutes – approx. Will
depend on your oven
Line 3 flat biscuit trays. Makes
about 36 small or 20 larger biscuits
Ingredients
1 cup Rolled Oats
1 cup Plain Flour - sifted
1 cup Desiccated Coconut
1 cup Brown Sugar
Pinch each of cinnamon and cloves
½ cup raisins OPTION: soaked overnight in ½ tablespoon rum
½ cup slivered almonds
2 tablespoons golden syrup
OR treacle – which will give a
slighter darker, less ‘sweet’ taste.
125 gram butter – melted
2 tablespoon water
½ teaspoon Baking Powder
Method
Preheat oven to 160 oC. Prepare 3 biscuit trays.
Using a large bowl, combine oats, flour, coconut, sugar, spices, nuts
and raisins.
TIP: (when the Baking powder is
added to butter mix later on, it will froth up a little - so use a saucepan with enough room for this
to double in size for a minute or so)
In the separate saucepan gently heat the butter, water and golden
syrup.
Add the Baking powder to the melted butter mixture. Stir a little.
Add immediately to the prepared dry ingredients and mix thoroughly to
combine.
Roll into small balls - bit
smaller than an apricot – and place on prepared trays.
3 trays should have 12 ball on each, well separated.
Using the back of a fork, gently flatten for a cooked ‘crispier’ more
traditional result OR just flatten slightly to achieve biscuits that
will be a little softer and chewier after baking .
You could vary between trays if you like. I prefer the flatter crisp traditional
biscuit.
Bake until golden. Approx 15 minutes.
If not golden you may need to rotate trays in your oven.
Should not take more than 18 minutes.
TIP: The biscuits will then harden
during cooling .
Remove from oven and cool on trays on raised racks. NB
biscuits harden on cooling.
Once cooled down, remove from tray and allow to rest on cake rack to
ensure base is dried off.
Store in an airtight container.
Biscuits should keep for approx. 1 week.
Enjoy. Colleen
That looks so great!!! By the way, I absolutely love the name of your blog. You write very well as well :-)
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Belgium
Thank you Fran! They are delicious and easy to make. Glad you enjoy our blog and appreciate your comments.
DeleteCheers and happy cooking
these were very good and good to make. thank you for the story about the bisucits. I will make again
ReplyDelete