Eight traditional ANZAC Day recipes
Another ANZAC Day is approaching, and on the dawn of 25 April, it will be time to pause and remember those who served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. The day is marked by the soulful call of the bugle, commemorative ceremonies, marches of veterans, and community or family gatherings. Food plays a significant role in ANZAC Day commemorations, with many traditional items commonly associated with the day. Here are a few for you to consider incorporating into your ANZAC Day celebrations.
1. ANZAC Biscuits
ANZAC Biscuits are one of the most iconic foods associated with ANZAC Day. These biscuits were initially made by wives and women's groups and sent to soldiers serving overseas. The reason for their popularity was that they were durable and could last the long journey without spoiling. Made using rolled oats, flour, desiccated coconut, sugar, butter, golden syrup, baking soda, and boiling water - they are sweet, crunchy, and rich in history. Check out the recipe for these biscuits from the ANZAC Day Memorial Committee.
2. Damper
Historically, damper was prepared by swagmen, drovers, stockmen, and other travellers who had to cover long distances and were often thousands of kilometres away from the nearest store. Damper is a bread made without yeast and is traditionally baked in the ashes of a campfire or in a cast iron pot. The ingredients used to make damper are flour, water, and sometimes milk. It is often served with butter, jam, or golden syrup and is best enjoyed with a cup of billy tea (with or without a splash of rum). If you're looking for damper recipes to try this ANZAC Day, we've got you covered with these 10 delicious options.
3. Corned Beef
During wartime, soldiers had limited access to fresh food. As a result, they had to rely on preserved foods that were simple and easy to store. One such food was corned beef, which was initially known as bully beef. It was a significant source of protein for ANZAC troops during the First World War and was a key part of their daily rations. Unfortunately, it was very salty and not well-loved among soldiers. However, Matt Moran has managed to transform it into a more delicious and palatable dish!
4. Hard Tack
Hard tack, also known as ANZAC Wafer, is a type of biscuit that has a very long shelf life. It was an essential part of the rations that sustained soldiers during the First and Second World Wars. The original biscuits were made by Arnott's using a mixture of flour, sugar, milk powder, salt, and water. If you're game to try this not-so-appetising tradition, you can find a recipe on the Australian War Memorial website. Apparently, some soldiers preferred to grind them up and eat them as porridge!
5. Lamingtons
It doesn’t come much more Aussie than a lamington - a sweet treat made by coating squares of sponge cake in chocolate sauce and then rolling them in desiccated coconut. Although it is not eaten exclusively on ANZAC Day, it is a popular choice at gatherings. If you’re looking for something different than the traditional version, you may want to try one of these 18 lamington recipes that look nothing like your nan’s!
6. Pavlova
The classic pavlova, a meringue-based dessert, is named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. Although there is some debate about whether it originated in Australia or New Zealand, most people agree that it was during Anna Pavlova's tour of these countries in 1926 that the dessert gained popularity. The pavlova has a crisp crust and a soft, light inside, and is typically topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. If you're feeling adventurous, you might want to try making ANZAC pavlova sandwiches - a pavlova centre sandwiched between two ANZAC biscuits!
7. Meat Pies
Paired with some tomato sauce, a meat pie is the quintessential Australian comfort food, and it makes for a perfect dish to serve on ANZAC Day. According to the BBC, we Aussies consume an estimated 270 million meat pies every year. And if you can’t pick one up from your local bakery, the classic Four’n Twenty pie will always be available at the servo!
8. Tim Tam Brownies
Okay, we might be heading into uncharted territory here, but Tim Tams are an Australian icon, so, why not indulge in some Tim Tam brownies on ANZAC Day? (And don't worry, ANZAC Day calories don't count!) This is a pretty decadent combination of Tim Tams layered between brownie batter, and we challenge you to give it a try! You can find the recipe here.
Enjoy your ANZAC Day!
ANZAC Day is a special day for all Australians marked with solemn ceremonies and community spirit. Whether you plan to attend a dawn service, play a game of two-up or spend time with family, traditional foods play a central role in commemorations. It's a day of national remembrance and pride, where we remember the sacrifices of our brave soldiers who fought for our freedom.
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