International Lamington Day

International Lamington Day

“The lamington is a piece of cake, usually a sponge, covered in chocolate icing and then rolled in desiccated coconut. Sometimes there are fillings put into it too. “

Brian Rough from Old Government House on Radio Australia.

International Lamington Day is being celebrated on July 21st this year. In 2006 the National Trust declared the Lamington a National Icon although there is some dispute around which Country the recipe first came from. It seems that the delicate chocolate covered cake was first made in Australia but the first written recipe appears in New Zealand.

Named after Lord or Lady Lamington around 1900, it was apparently created when the French chef at Government House made was caught short with too many guests to feed and not enough to serve them. Voila! Sponge, dipped in chocolate icing and covered with exotic coconut was the solution.

Genius.

Lamingtons filled with jam were the stuff that eighties childhood’s were made of but they have since taken a rather colourful detour. To make your own traditional or non traditional Lamington try these great recipes. ”

Double Chocolate Lamingtons 

Lamington Cake with Milo Icing

Lamington Biscuits

Fresh Cherry and Coconut Lamingtons

Raw Cashew and Vanilla Lamington Bites. 

What is your favourite way to enjoy a lamington?

I favour the simplicity of a store bough sponge, dunked into home made chocolate icing and then rolled in desiccated coconut, especially when I’m cooking with kids. Try using 2 cups Icing Sugar to 2 tbsp Cocoa Powder, 2 tbsp Butter and  1 tbsp Boiling Water.

Although if I can source a bakery made lamington with jam, then I am all over that like coconut on a- well- lamington.

Do you buy or make your own laminations?

Happy Lamington Day.

Dani xx


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