Staff Challenge - Anzac Biscuits by Tiana G

Anzac Biscuits

Anzac day, commemorated on the 25^th of April each year, is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that recognises and honours all Australian and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

During World War 1, the mothers, wives and girlfriends of the Australian soldiers were concerned for the nutritional value of food being supplied to the ‘diggers’ (soldiers).  Food was transported across the sea by the Merchant Navy in ships that did not contain refrigerated facilities, so any food sent had to remain edible for at least two months- this is when the Anzac Biscuit was invented.

Anzac Biscuits are a big part of my identity and cultural heritage as my beautiful grandfather, William Henry Gell (serial number 224579) was a serving member of the Royal Australian Air Force.  On the 1^st of June 1943, aged 18, William enlisted in the RAAF.  After he completed his training, he was sent to England, arriving on the 12^th of August 1944 and was attached to the 462-Squadron operating Halifax Heavy Bombers at the Royal Airforce base in Driffield, Yorkshire.  In 1945, Williams Squadron was credited with the most raids against Germany of any Australian Squadron in bomber command.  Twenty-two years later, in 1968, William served in the RAAF in Butterworth, Malaysia until his discharge on 17^th December 1973 with the rank of Squadron Leader.

Recipe

1 cup brown sugar

·   1 cup plain flour

·   1 cup rolled oats

·   ½ cup desiccated coconut

·   1 tbsp honey

·   1 tbsp golden syrup

·   125g butter

·   1½ tbsp water

·   ½ tsp baking powder

Method

Preheat oven to 180 degrees.

Combine flour, oats, sugar and coconut in a bowl. In a saucepan combine the butter, golden syrup and honey over a low heat until butter has melted. Cool slightly. In a small dish combine the water and baking powder. Add butter mixture and baking powder mixture to dry ingredients. Roll into small balls and flatten slightly- making sure to leave space between as they will grow in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes.

My brothers (Tom and Jack) and I with my Grandpa 'Ras' before his death in December 2015