ANZAC Day 2010

Aside from my Birthday, my favourite thing about this time of year is Anzac Day. That might sound kind of weird given that Anzac Day is in commemoration of Australia’s World War I efforts at Gallipoli, but aside from the serious elements to the day there are other things that make it an enjoyable time of year.

To start with, it’s a public holiday. And while a large portion of the population does something very unusual and drags themselves out of bed in the wee hours of the morning for the Dawn services, it still means no work, and that’s fine by me, whatever the reason. I especially enjoy the fact that when Anzac Day falls on a weekend, we still get our public holiday on the Monday. That somehow makes the day just that little bit more Australian.
It’s a day for patriotism and declaring your love of your country by getting up early and acknowledging the men and women who died for our country; then drinking copious amounts of beer and having a BBQ with friends. It’s serious and fun all at the same time.

I’m sure I must have blogged about this before (who cares, it's just that good), but my absolute favourite thing about this time of year is making (and eating) Anzac biscuits. These glorious little sugar vehicles would have to be the most addictive form of biscuit imaginable. They’re soft and chewy and full of sugary goodness that you can pretend is good for you because they’re also full of rolled oats. And what’s better is, their history is right in keeping with the spirit of the holiday.

I’ve made two batches this week already, and will probably make another. The photo below is of batch number 2, and I’ve included the recipe I used. They’re sure to be gone by Monday, and it just wouldn’t be a real Anzac Day without some Anzac Biscuits.

1 Cup Rolled Oats
1 Cup Plain Flour
1 Cup Caster Sugar
¾ Cup Coconut
115g (4oz) Butter
2 Tablespoons Golden Syrup
1 Teaspoon Bicarb (baking) Soda
2 Tablespoons Boiling Water

1. Preheat Oven to 330 degrees F.
2. Combine Oats, Flour, Sugar & Coconut in a bowl.
3. Place Butter and Golden Syrup in a pan and heat until melted.
4. Combine Bicarb Soda with boiling water then add to butter mixture. Stir until frothy.
5. Add butter mixture to dry ingredients and stir to combine.
6. Place tablespoon sized balls of mixture onto a baking sheet and flatten with a fork
7. Bake for 15-20 mins or until golden brown.
8. Cool before eating.