ANZAC Slice

Today, April 25 is ANZAC Day (celebrated yesterday in Australia and NZ because they are a day ahead) .  It is a day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand for those "who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations" and "the contribution and suffering of all those who have served." Courage, Endurance, Mateship, Sacrifice - that is the ANZAC Spirit.

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, not the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."

Lest we forget.

Traditionally, each year I make ANZAC biscuits but this year I thought I would make something a little different.  I remembered seeing a slice (or bar cookie) during my travels on the web, so I went in search of it.  It turns out there are quite a few recipes out there, some very similar and some with some tweaks.  I settled on one from Taste.com.auhttp://www.taste.com.au.  I really like this site, and they also produce my favorite Australian magazine, delicious.


This ANZAC slice tastes a little like an oatmeal cookie, but it has golden syrup and coconut added.  It was a big winner in our household, and the few leftover pieces will store well because there are no eggs in this recipe, which was the original intent of the ANZAC biscuit - families of the soldiers overseas wanted something they could mail via sea to their loved ones that would not spoil easily.

ANZAC Slice
(Printer Friendly Recipe)

Ingredients

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour 
• 1¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oat
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 
• 1 cup shredded coconut (I used desiccated)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 10 tablespoons butter, chopped 
• 3 tablespoons golden syrup 
• ½ teaspoon baking soda 
• 2 tablespoons boiling water

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350℉.
2. Grease and line an 11x7 pan with baking paper, allowing a 1-inch overhang at long ends. 
3. Combine flour, oats, sugar, salt and coconut in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre. 
4. Place butter and syrup in a saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes or until smooth. 
5. Combine baking soda and boiling water in a jug. 
6. Remove butter mixture from heat and stir in bicarbonate of soda mixture. 
7. Add to flour mixture and stir to combine. 
8. Transfer to prepared pan. Using the back of a spoon, press mixture evenly into pan (I used my hands). 
9. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden. Cool in pan. 
10. Once cool cut into squares and enjoy.

Recipe adapted slightly from Taste.com.au

Say hello to my little friend, and ANZAC biscuits.

This little guy was so patient while I was taking his picture.  He hung around for a while, and then kind of looked up as if to say 'this has been fun but I gotta go'.  I wonder if he knew that I had to go too since I wanted to make some ANZAC biscuits?

ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Armed Corps, and ANZAC Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War, and is now a day of remembrance for all who have served and died for their country and occurs on April 25.  It is thought that ANZAC biscuits came into being when family members wanted to send something to their loved ones but needed something that would not spoil during their long journey overseas.  Eggs were omitted from the recipe, mainly because they were very hard to come by at the time, and also for the longevity of the biscuit. According to both Australian and New Zealand law they are never to be referred to as cookies - I didn't know this.

Once you add the baking soda mixture to the butter/syrup mixture it will bubble up.

I love making these biscuits throughout the year. On my last visit to Australia I brought back golden syrup with me so I would have it on hand to make these - well not just these since I love it on toast too.  I do love the brand from Australia because it is a little stronger (which you can buy online but it is expensive), but you can also get Lyle's Golden Syrup from Whole Foods, King Arthur Flour, and World Market.  These biscuits are delicious, super easy and as mentioned above keep very well.  

 

  

ANZAC Biscuits

Printer Friendly Recipe

Ingredients

• 9 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons golden syrup
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup desiccated coconut
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup brown sugar

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 325℉.
2. Place butter and syrup in a small saucepan and heat gently until butter and syrup melt.
3. Combine baking soda and water in a small bowl and stir into melted butter mixture.
4. Place remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Pour over warm butter mixture and stir well to combine.
5. Roll rounded teaspoons of mixture into balls. Place about 1½ inches apart on Silpat or baking paper lined baking trays and flatten slightly.
6. Bake in preheated oven 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. 
7. Remove from oven and cool 5 minutes on baking trays; transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. 

 Recipe from the Australian Women's Weekly