ANZAC Biscuits (Cookies)

ANZAC Biscuits

Most Australians use the word "biscuit" where Americans use the word "cookie." ANZAC biscuits have a long and valued history going back to World War 1. These are such a family favorite that I always double the following recipe ingredients.

3/4 cup of sugar

1 teaspoon treacle or molasses

1/4 lb. butter

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup of flaked (grated) sweetened coconut

1 cup of oatmeal

3/4 cup of plain flour

2 tablespoons boiling water

Place all ingredients except the oatmeal and flour in a saucepan and stir slowly while bringing to a gentle boil. Remove from the stove, add flour and oatmeal and stir well until there are no flakes of white coconut visible. Place large heaped tablespoons of dough 3-4 inches apart on the greased pan. Bake at 275 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit for at least 20 minutes before removing from the pan.

These Anzac Biscuits are very versatile. Mix equal parts of fresh or drained canned fruit, vanilla yogurt, and the crumbled ANZAC Biscuits. Place a bowl of each and allow individuals to prepare their own in a desert dish or in a glass.

 Initially these biscuits were sent to ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) troops who landed at Gallipoli, Turkey, on April 25th, 1915. This military campaign was a terrible defeat with massive loss of life on both sides. The fallen Australian soldiers of all wars are commemorated on ANZAC Day, April 25th every year.

One historical report stated:

In April, 1915 a landing on the Gallipoli Penninsula attempted to secure the shores and silence the Turkish guns. Trouble brewed from the beginning. Amphibious operations were a new and unperfected form of warfare leading to poor communications, troop deployment and supply. The Turks entrenched themselves on the high ground, pouring artillery and machine gun fire down upon the hapless Australian, New Zealand, Irish, French and British troops below. The battleground soon resembled that of the Western Front - both sides peering at each other from fortified trenches, forced to spill their precious blood in futile frontal attacks on well defended positions. Casualties were high - approximately 252,000 or 52% for the British/French while the Ottoman Turks suffered about 300,000 casualties or a rate of 60%. The failed campaign gained little and badly tarnished british commander Winston Churchill's reputation.