ANZAC Day

 

Until we moved to this side of the globe, I didn't really know much about the involvement of Australia and New Zealand in World History.  But the more we live here, the more thankful and excited we are to learn about the role these countries (and others in the South Pacific) have played.  Today marks the 100th anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand forces at Gallipoli.  According to ANZAC Day article on Wikipedia, "In 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of an Allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula to open the way to the Black Sea for the Allied navies."  

 

We're in the middle of meetings this weekend here at SITAG, keeping us busy from morning 'till night, but I wanted our family to celebrate just a little bit anyway.  While in Melbourne, Sarah and I found a sweet picture book based on a true story, "The Anzac Puppy", by Peter Millett and Trish Bowles.  Finding books for young children that discuss dark subjects like war can be difficult, but this book introduces heart rending subjects beautifully.  And with a happy ending, I might add!

 

We were familiar with ANZAC biscuits, but Naomi's family introduced us to ANZAC slice (bar cookies in our North American dialect) and shared their yummy recipe:

ANZAC Slice

1 1/2 cups rolled oats 1 cup plain flour
1/2 cup SR flour 1 1/2 cups caster sugar
1 1/4 cups desiccated coconut 175g butter (just over 1/3 cup), melted
2 Tablespoons golden syrup 1/4 cup water
1/2 cup flaked coconut

Grease a 20cm x 30cm (9 x 13 in) lamington tin. Cover the base with baking paper, extending it over two opposite sides. Combine oats, sifted flours, sugar and desiccated coconut in a large bowl. Add butter, syrup and water, mix well. Press the mixture into the lamington tin; press on flaked coconut. Cook in a moderate oven, 180° C (350° F) for 40 minutes or until firm. Cool in pan before cutting.