What are Anzac Biscuits?
Anzac biscuits are a traditional Australian biscuit that has its roots in the First World War. The biscuits were originally baked by the wives and mothers of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who were fighting in Gallipoli. The biscuits are made from a combination of oats, flour, coconut, and golden syrup, and are known for their hard texture and long shelf life.
Ingredients and Recipe for Anzac Biscuits
To make Anzac biscuits, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of rolled oats
- 1 cup of plain flour
- 1 cup of desiccated coconut
- ¾ cup of brown sugar
- 125g of butter
- 2 tablespoons of golden syrup
- 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda
- 2 tablespoons of boiling water
To make the biscuits, preheat your oven to 160°C and line a baking tray with baking paper. In a bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, coconut, and brown sugar. In a saucepan, melt the butter and golden syrup together over a low heat. In a small bowl, mix the bicarbonate of soda with the boiling water, and then add it to the melted butter and golden syrup mixture. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well. Roll the mixture into balls and place them on the baking tray, flattening them slightly. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
History and Significance of Anzac Biscuits
Anzac biscuits are named after the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought in the Gallipoli campaign of the First World War. The biscuits were originally known as “Soldier’s Biscuits” as they were made by the women back home and sent to the soldiers as a form of care package. The biscuits were designed to have a long shelf life and survive the journey to Gallipoli. Today, Anzac biscuits are a symbol of remembrance for those who have served in the armed forces and are commonly eaten on Anzac Day, which is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand.
