July 21st is celebrated as 'National Lamington Day'. This day is especially dedicated to the delicious Australian treat known as the Lamington. If you haven't heard of it before, don't worry, this article will give you all the information you need and will surely make your mouth water. A Lamington is a sponge cake dipped in chocolate sauce and then coated in desiccated coconut. It is usually served with morning tea, afternoon tea, or high tea.
The Story of the Lamington: A Mistake That Became a Delicious Identity
The Lamington's origin is rooted in a kitchen accident. It is said that a maid accidentally dropped a cake made for Lord Lamington, the Governor of Queensland, into melted chocolate. When the Governor found out, he suggested that these cake pieces be coated in coconut to make them less messy to eat. This is how the Lamington's worldwide fame began.
How to Make Traditional Australian Lamingtons?
If you want to make this day special, try making Lamingtons at home. Here is Paul Tully’s True-Blue Aussie Lamington Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 cup self-raising flour
- ½ cup milk
For the Icing:
- 4 cups icing sugar
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup milk
- 4 tablespoons hot water
- 3 cups desiccated coconut
Instructions:
- Beat the eggs well and gradually add the sugar.
- Add milk and vanilla essence.
- Now add the flour and mix in the creamed butter.
- Pour into a cake tin and bake at 180°C for 35 minutes.
- Once cooled, refrigerate for 24 hours.
Make the Chocolate Icing:
Mix cocoa powder and sugar, then add milk, butter, and hot water. Cook over low heat until thickened.
Finishing Step:
Cut the cake into square pieces, dip them in chocolate, then coat them in desiccated coconut and chill.
Why is Lamington Day Special?
- Sweet Celebration: This day is a great opportunity to spread sweetness and try something new.
- A Means of Charity: In Australia and New Zealand, schools and charitable organizations conduct fundraising activities called "Lamington Drives." You can also celebrate this day as a charity event.
- Opportunity for Creativity: You can add a new twist to your Lamingtons by adding jam, strawberry cream, or any special flavor.
Fun Fact: New Zealand vs. Australia
On April 1, 2014, a humorous article appeared in ‘The Guardian’ claiming that the Lamington was actually a New Zealand dessert called the Wellington. The article was written by a person named 'Olaf Priol', which is actually an anagram of 'April Fool'! This joke confused many people, but Australians remained very proud of their Lamingtons.
Lamingtons Around the World
- New Zealand: Popular in raspberry flavor
- South Africa: Known as Ystervarkies in small sizes
- St Helena Island: Known as Coconut Fingers
- Europe: 'Čupavci' in Croatia, Hungary, Romania, etc.
- America: Known as Coconut Bars in Cleveland
How to Celebrate 'National Lamington Day'?
- Make Lamingtons at home for your friends or family.
- Share it on social media with #NationalLamingtonDay.
- Host a Lamington party in your office or society.
- Organize a fundraiser for a local NGO.
The Lamington is not just a dessert; it is a unique blend of history, tradition, and taste. 'National Lamington Day' gives us the opportunity to bring an international flavor into our homes, enjoy it, and share it with our loved ones.
