Going to a morning tea for Australia Day? Lamingtons are simple to make and everyone loves them. You may find you need to make them into finger sized shapes to cater for a larger crowd, as they won’t last on the table. I have always grown up knowing that lamingtons are Australian – well little did I know they were first made just around the corner from us.
Back in 1896 to 1901 Lord Lamington was Governor for Queensland, during his time he traveled to Toowoomba to escape the heat of Brisbane, on that visit he ate his first lamington – hence where it all began. There are so many claims about the origins of where lamingtons first came from, though they are mostly definitely names after Lord Lamington himself. The folks of New Zealand have often claimed that it is their invention, while other greedy chefs who served Lord Laminton say they created the delicacy. However I do know one thing, lamingtons are always a favourite, I prefer freshly home-made ones, though a store-bought one does fill the gap when in need. These days I know some people put cream, cream and jam or just jam in the centre of them, I find this unnecessary as i love them the traditional way. Who do you think made lamingtons first, I want to hear your side of the story.
Happy Australia Day – Tell me who made the Lamington famous?
- 1 store-bought sponge cake (rectangle or square)
- 3 cups (480g) icing (confectioner’s) sugar
- 1 cup (100g) cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup (80ml) boiling water
- 100g butter, melted
- dessicated coconut, to coat
- Cut the sponge cake into 6cm squares. Sift together the icing sugar and cocoa into a medium bowl. Mix with the boiling water and melted butter. Stirring to ensure there are not lumps.
- Using 2 forks or your fingers to hold the sponge, dip them in to the chocolate mixture and then roll in desiccated coconut. Allow to set on a wire rack.
5 Responses
I totally agree, the cream/jam filling is unnecessary! I agree mostly with your story although I like the one that said Lord Lamington’s chef had to whip up afternoon tea at a moment’s notice so dipped some old sponge cake in chocolate and rolled it in coconut.
I like a bit of a story myself, though there are many revolving around who actually made the lamington first.
I hope you have a Happy Australia Day! I’ve not heard of Lamingtons before, but they look terrific! I love the idea, and they’re so easy to make. Thanks for introducing me.
Anytime John.
I like a lamington, dont need the cream or jam and I dont know who made them first but they are one of the hotly contested dishes Aussie and NZers fight about