Don't know what kids these days are bein' taught about them, but growin' up I was always told ANZAC bikkies came about due to (a) lack of long-lastin' ingredients and (b) travel distance and damage. Whether this is true or not is still up for debate; some people believe it was a modified form of a Scottish recipe, some people think it's based of a cake recipe, etc. Really, it depends on what you're taught and what sources you choose to believe. Personally, I like the more romanticized notion that they were sent to the soldiers by their women folk back home, and there is evidence both for and against that. Generally though, it's agreed that it came about due to the concern of the women that the soldiers weren't gettin' much nutrition in their food.
NOTE: A common mistake made is that ANZAC biscuits were the soldiers' rations. That is a misconception - somewhere along the historical line someone got them mixed up with the ANZAC Wafer/Tile, commonly known as hardtack. The soldiers got quite creative with those
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Wiki sorta agrees with the version of the womenfolk baking these since they didn't spoil ( I believe to due a shortage of eggs and milk). The recipe I posted includes shredded sweetened coconut. ( Which I am not a fan of but maybe work with dried fruit or nuts as you suggested when I attempt to bake them.)
Aside from Aus and NZ, I was also referring to Wy in the list.
But yes, same notes as from the below poster - they can go rock hard sometimes (that never seemed to happen with mum's ones) and without the coconut, it may be less sweet. I can't mention the taste because I'm not a fan of the texture of desiccated coconut so it's been years since I've had them myself.
But the common story to them was because the soldier's food stocks were rationed, they were made by their wifes and family back home out of foods that were unlikely to spoil in transit. That way, they'd have a piece of home and a nice treat that was unique to their rations.
Man it's been ages since I had ANZAC biscuits! Of course Oz/NZ/Wy eat ANZAC biscuits!
Seems like everyone does there own version of ANZAC biscuits though, we never put coconut or any form of nut at all with them. Family secret perhaps?
I should warn you if you do make and eat them that ANZAC biscuits can be hard as rock! Not suitable for people without all their baby teeth or using dentures! Also I agree that they are only slightly sweet, and remember as a rule we put less sugar into our foods than Americans to begin with so it may very well be a bland biscuit for you.
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NOTE: A common mistake made is that ANZAC biscuits were the soldiers' rations. That is a misconception - somewhere along the historical line someone got them mixed up with the ANZAC Wafer/Tile, commonly known as hardtack. The soldiers got quite creative with those ( ... )
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Wiki sorta agrees with the version of the womenfolk baking these since they didn't spoil ( I believe to due a shortage of eggs and milk). The recipe I posted includes shredded sweetened coconut. ( Which I am not a fan of but maybe work with dried fruit or nuts as you suggested when I attempt to bake them.)
Aside from Aus and NZ, I was also referring to Wy in the list.
Thank you for replying.
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But yes, same notes as from the below poster - they can go rock hard sometimes (that never seemed to happen with mum's ones) and without the coconut, it may be less sweet. I can't mention the taste because I'm not a fan of the texture of desiccated coconut so it's been years since I've had them myself.
But the common story to them was because the soldier's food stocks were rationed, they were made by their wifes and family back home out of foods that were unlikely to spoil in transit. That way, they'd have a piece of home and a nice treat that was unique to their rations.
Reply
Seems like everyone does there own version of ANZAC biscuits though, we never put coconut or any form of nut at all with them. Family secret perhaps?
I should warn you if you do make and eat them that ANZAC biscuits can be hard as rock! Not suitable for people without all their baby teeth or using dentures! Also I agree that they are only slightly sweet, and remember as a rule we put less sugar into our foods than Americans to begin with so it may very well be a bland biscuit for you.
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