Patriotism Down Under
April 17, 2013 | Author Friend Promo, Cooking
Today Vonnie Hughes, another author friend, has stepped in to help out while I do serious editing. Thank you, Vonnie, it’s all yours.
G’day all!
With Anzac Day a scant nine days away, people all over Australia and New Zealand are remembering our war heroes by wearing red poppies and baking our traditional biscuits. The tradition began in World War I. Wives and lovers wanted to provide a bit of home to their soldiers and nurses, but they needed a food that wouldn’t perish on the long journey. These biscuits were created and have been a symbol of Anzac Day ever since.
Here is a recipe that is easy and flavorful. I hope you try them.
ANZAC BISCUITS (COOKIES)
1 cup plain flour not self-raising
1 cup rolled oats
¾ cup sugar
½ cup dessicated (shredded) coconut
2 tbsp. golden syrup (light molasses)
1 tsp. bicarbonate of soda (raising agent)
125 grams of butter (4.4 ozs)
½ teaspoon salt
2 tbsp. boiling water.
Preheat oven to 160C or 325°F (140C or 285°F for a fan-forced oven).
Line two baking trays with non-stick baking paper (parchment paper).
Sift flour into a large bowl. Stir in the oats, coconut, sugar and salt.
Combine butter and golden syrup and stir over medium heat until melted.
Stir the bicarbonate of soda in the boiling water and add to the mixture. It will bubble.
Quickly pour the liquid over the flour mixture and combine.
Roll heaped tablespoons of the mixture into small balls and place at 5cm (about 2 inches) intervals on the baking trays. Press the balls down with a fork to flatten.
Bake for about 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
Note that these are not puffed up cookies but more a flat biscuit type of cookie.
While your biscuits are baking, step into a different moment in time with one of my Regency novels. I hope you enjoy this short intro.
When Alexandra Tallis sets free the attractive man her sister stupidly tried to hold captive, her actions lead not only to a love she never thought to find, but also to a horrific family secret that threatens that love.
When Alexandra Tallis discovers that her witless sister has imprisoned their father’s nemesis, Theo Crombie in their attic, she quickly frees him, fighting an unladylike impulse to keep him as her own special captive. Despite the brutal beating she receives from her father for her actions, Alexandra continues to yearn for the delicious Mr. Crombie even though she knows that nothing will ever come of her dreams.
Injured and shackled in a stranger’s attic, Theo unexpectedly discovers the woman of his dreams. But how can he pursue those dreams when her bizarre family’s complex relationships threaten the very foundation of his existence? Somehow Theo must find a way through this maze to claim his lady.
To read an excerpt from Captive, please click HERE.
Vonnie Hughes is a New Zealander living in Australia. She loves animals and jogging. Vonnie writes Regencies and romantic suspense novels along with short stories. She is presently working on a romantic suspense, working title: Innocent Hostage and a Regency novella, working title: A Tale of Two Sisters.
Her earlier book Coming Home is about a soldier and a nurse, thrown together during the Napoleonic wars, who find more danger on their return to England than they ever did on the Iberian Peninsula.
The Second Son is actually a prequel to Coming Home. A second son, filled with angst, stands to inherit a title and property through the death of a brother he has always loathed and mistrusted. A young disabled woman teaches him how to find his self-respect and how to love.
Another Regency Historical, Mr. Monfort’s Marriage, has businessman Matthew Monfort inveigled into marrying an earl’s daughter. With good reason he loathes the ton, so his new wife needn’t think she’s going to win him over, even though she’s quite delightful…and intelligent…and sweet…However Verity shows him that not all members of the ton are idle layabouts and that he can do much good with his largesse and with—shock, horror—the unexpected and embarrassing title conferred on him by Prinny.
All of Vonnie’s books are available on Amazon and Musa Publishing.
Learn more about Vonnie Hughes on her website and blog. Stay connected on Facebook and Goodreads.
