CFT 
National Lamington Day, celebrated on July 21st, is a day that unites Australians over our shared love for this iconic treat—the lamington. It’s a day to savour the deliciousness of this sponge cake dipped in chocolate and coated in coconut, while also indulging in a bit of playful rivalry with our friends across the Tasman Sea. While New Zealand might try to lay claim to this delightful dessert, we Aussies know the truth: the lamington is as Australian as Vegemite on toast. As we celebrate this quintessential Aussie invention, let’s also cover some important food safety tips to keep in mind while enjoying and preparing our beloved lamingtons.
A Brief History of the Lamington
The lamington, named after Lord Lamington, Governor of Queensland from 1896 to 1901, has a delightfully messy origin story. According to Aussie legend, the dessert was created by accident when a maidservant dropped a sponge cake into some melted chocolate. Rather than waste the cake, the quick-thinking Lord Lamington suggested rolling it in coconut to make it less messy to eat. And thus, the lamington was born, much to the delight of sweet tooths everywhere.
Of course, our Kiwi mates have their own version of events. They claim that a New Zealand chef who moved to Australia introduced the recipe here. But let’s be honest—Australians have long embraced the lamington as part of their culinary heritage. New Zealand might believe they came up with it, but as Darryl Kerrigan iconically said, “Tell them they’re dreaming.” So, we proudly celebrate this sweet slice of Australia.
Making Lamingtons at Home: A Fun and Safe Activity
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, making lamingtons at home can be a fun activity for the whole family. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started, along with some crucial food safety tips.
Ingredients:
- 1 plain sponge cake, cut into squares
- 2 cups of icing sugar
- 1/3 cup of cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup of boiling water
- 2 cups of desiccated coconut
Instructions:
- Prepare the icing: Mix the icing sugar, cocoa powder, and boiling water in a bowl until smooth.
- Dip the cake: Using a fork, dip each square of sponge cake into the chocolate mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Roll in coconut: Immediately roll the chocolate-coated cake in desiccated coconut until fully covered.
- Set and enjoy: Place the lamingtons on a wire rack to set. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee!
Food Safety Tips:
- Clean Hands and Surfaces: Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling food. Ensure that all surfaces and utensils are clean to prevent cross-contamination.
- Proper Storage: Lamingtons should be stored in an airtight container. If you’re not planning to eat them all at once, they can be frozen for later enjoyment.
- Check Ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients, especially dairy products used in the sponge cake, are fresh and have been stored at the correct temperature.
The Joy of Sharing Lamingtons
National Lamington Day is a wonderful opportunity to share these tasty treats with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or taking lamingtons to a community event, remember that food safety doesn’t stop at home. Here are a few tips for safe sharing:
- Transport Safely: If you’re taking lamingtons to a different location, make sure they are transported in a clean, airtight container.
- Serve Hygienically: Use clean utensils to serve the lamingtons, and avoid handling them directly with your hands.
- Monitor Temperature: If lamingtons are left out for an extended period, especially in warm weather, be mindful of the temperature. They should be kept cool to prevent spoilage.
National Lamington Day is a celebration of one of Australia’s most beloved desserts. While the friendly rivalry over the lamington’s origin adds to the charm of this sweet treat, we all know deep down that only Australia could come up with something this brilliant. By following these simple food safety tips, you can enjoy making, sharing, and eating lamingtons with confidence. So, gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and make some delicious memories this July 21st. Happy Lamington Day!
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