Being Monday, today was Pregnastics day again, which meant that Henry and I had to decided what to do for the evening. After a long and vigorous debate (we nearly came to blows), we finally settled on making ANZAC biscuits. That way, Jennifer would have a treat ready when she came home, and also have a bribery option should mini-Mussolini play up tomorrow. Thus, the photo that you see above are the fruits of our labour (minus a few that had to be taste tested prior to the photo session).
Some of you would no doubt be very familiar with the ANZAC biscuit, but I would wager than even more are not. For the benefit of those who haven't heard of - or tasted - them, I will give a bit of back story. Even better, I'll give you a 100 percent guaranteed easy peasy recipe!
Now, there are a few theories on the origins of ANZAC biscuits, but what we do know is that they emerged in their present form during the First World War. For the REAL beginners, the term 'ANZAC' originated as an acronym for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, an army corps of Australian and New Zealand troops who fought in 1915 at the Battle of Gallipoli.
Some say that the biscuits were developed by troops in the trenches with provisions at hand to relieve the boredom of rations. Others argue that they came from women at home in an effort to make a treat for their loved ones that would survive the long journey to the front.
Whatever the case may be, they are well worth the effort, because they are rather tasty, and incredibly simple to make.
You will need:
1 cup plain flour
1 cup rolled oats (regular oatmeal) uncooked
1 cup desiccated coconut
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 tbsp golden syrup (or maple syrup)
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
2 tbsp boiling water
Preheat the oven at 180°C (350°F).
Combine the flour, oats, coconut and sugar in a bowl.
Melt the butter in the microwave. (Some have argued that ANZACs invented the microwave out of old tin of bully beef, bits of string and a broken gramophone. Admittedly, these people are mentally ill, but that shouldn't make their opinion any less valid!)
Mix the bicarbonate of soda with the boiling water, add the Golden Syrup and add the butter.
Pour the liquid into the dry ingredients and mix well.
Spoon dollops of mixture onto a greased tin leaving as much space again between dollops to allow for spreading.
Bake in a moderate oven, 180°C (350°F), for around 16 to 18 minutes, or at least until the go a golden colour.
Cool on a wire rack, and keep sealed in airtight containers.
EAT THEM!
But as much as I like ANZAC biscuits, I don't like them anywhere near as much as I like my two favourite little ANZACs of all:
[This one is from October of last year, so that should explain why Henry looks much smaller and why Jen isn't up the duff.)
[Oh, and my last comment for the day, I'm using the title today as a nod to Wilfred Owen's magnificent poem, probably my favourite of the 'War Poets'. So yes, it should be uttered with distaste rather than fervor.]
Comments
I am fed up with a city life - dirty city air, airconditioned office, demanding and stresfull work and want to downgrade and move out it:)
Do you live far away from the city?
Nice photos! I like to taste the biscuits. They look delicious!
Aigars, by any world standard, we live not far from the CBD (outside of peak traffic, it takes about 8 minutes to drive into town). For Hobartians, that appears to be "out in the sticks". As a North West Coaster, I can testify that they are an odd mob.
Life is okay, but I am reasonably sure that the stress levels will rise with a baby AND a toddler running around in a few weeks time. I reckon that Riga will look VERY inviting during those night feeds!