On this day of national importance, many people often turn to the binding power of food for relief from the sombreness of the day and reflection of what it represents. Take the time to gather your friends and family this ANZAC Day for a relaxed day of good Aussie tucker.

Anzac biscuits

The Anzac biscuits we know today are not the hardtack biscuits soldiers received as rations. They were nowhere near as sweet as their modern-day counterpart, did not go mouldy, and were so hard soldiers sometimes mixed them with water to make porridge.

Today, the sweet Anzac biscuit is made from oats and golden syrup. Early recipes didn’t include coconut – that’s another modern update. The War Memorial has recipes for both more modern and traditional versions.


You’ll need:

2 cups rolled oats
½ cup sugar
1 cup plain flour
½ cup melted butter
1 tbs golden syrup
2 tbs boiling water
1 tsp bicarbonate water

Got intolerance’s? Pop into Go Vita for those biscuit staples.

Macadamia and honeycomb ice-cream sandwiches

Is this the ultimate combination of Australian flavours? Sandwich leftover Anzac biscuits around this smooth and creamy ice cream dotted with toasted macadamias and chopped honeycomb. Get the full recipe here.

You’ll need:

thickened cream
can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup or 150g macadamias, toasted
chopped honeycomb
Shop the ingredients at Woolworths.

Scones

The English may claim them, but something about a good country scone with jam and cream is inherently Australian. The Country Women’s Association has been makings scones for almost a century, so you can bet their recipe is as good as they get.

You’ll need:

4 cups self-raising flour
½ teaspoon salt
cream
325-400mL milk
Melted butter

Head into Coles for all your baking needs.

Kangaroo sausage rolls

Do you know a single Australian that wouldn’t eat a sausage roll? Neither. These mini pork and kangaroo rolls offer a distinctly Aussie twist on a party classic. They’ll be a bigger hit than the store-bought ones, trust us.

You’ll need:

2 slices stale sourdough bread
milk
Italian pork sausage mince
fresh kangaroo mince
2 garlic cloves
1 tsp smoked paprika
4 tbs chopped parsley & basil
2 tbs chopped dill
1 egg
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
pickled beetroot
2 sheets puff pastry

Check out Just Knot Meats for good quality mince.

Vanilla Slice

This is for everyone who grew up spending their allowance at the local cake shop. The classic vanilla slice may have its origins in France, but you’d be hard pressed to find a bakery Down Under than doesn’t have one. A homemade tray of this slice is sure to satisfy even the sweetest tooth at the table.

You’ll need:

2 sheets butter puff pastry
500mL milk
375mL pouring cream
70g butter
2 vanilla beans
120g caster sugar
40g cornflour
6 egg yolks