Aussie Treats:
These are some of our family's favourite Australian Junk Food treats.
Photo: O. Zwarych
FOODS
Australia has incorporated many culinary traditions from various cultures around the world, including British, European, Asian, and Middle Eastern.
Fun Food Fact:
Fairy Bread:
Three ingredients are all you need to make this: white bread, butter/margarine, cake sprinkles (also called Hundreds & Thousands in Australia).
1. Pour the Candy Sprinkles into a shallow dish.
2. Spread the bread with the butter or margarine.
3. Cut the bread into triangles.
4. Lay the bread triangles butter side down into the sprinkles and press slightly to make sure you're getting many sprinkles on the bread.
5. Flip over and enjoy!
SNACKS:
Vegemite on Crackers:
See if you can find some vegemite at your local grocery store and spread some butter and then vegemite (a yeast extract) on some soda crackers for an Aussie snack.
Check here for the history of this spread, which tastes salty and not chocolaty as it may appear: VEGEMITE Story - VEGEMITE - Tastes Like Australia
BREAKFAST:
My husband is Australian and he said he used to eat a lot of Vegemite and toast for breakfast. Weet-Bix is another common breakfast, which is a whole grain cereal. There is also a beverage mix called Milo, which is produced from malted barley, milk, and chocolate.
A Big Fry:
A weekend favourite of my Australian husband is a "Big Fry." There are many different ways to put together a “Big Fry.” Basically it’s a delicious plate of eggs, bacon or sausage, grilled tomatoes, and sometimes bacon or mushrooms. But you can make a "Big Fry" anyway you please!
LUNCH:
Pumpkin Soup:
The first time I ever tried pumpkin soup was when I backpacked Australia in my twenties. Make some from scratch using a recipe from your favourite cookbook or online. I usually make pumpkin soup with our Halloween Jack-o-lanterns. If pumpkins cannot be found use butternut squash from the grocery store.
DINNER:
Lamb:
Lamb is very popular in Australiara. Try some for a Sunday Roast Dinner or some lamb chops for a barbeque.
Try Some Vegemite
DESSERT:
Here are a few Aussie sweets to try...
Many stores carry an Australian chocolate covered cookie called Tim Tams; see if you can find some for this theme day.
Anzac biscuits are another Australian cookie to look for or try to make your own by searching online for a recipe (or to cheat a bit make some oatmeal cookies which are similar).
Lamington is an Australian cake with cocoa and coconut sprinkled on it. Lamington Recipe | Australian Classic | Cooking with Nana Ling
Pavlova with fruit (a meringue dessert) is another Australian treat. I hope to try this recipe one day (I'll post a picture if I do). The BEST Pavlova Recipe - The Flavor Bender
Witchetty Grub:
The witchetty grub is a term used in Australia for the large, white, larvae of several moths. Edible either raw or lightly cooked in hot ashes, they were a high-protein food eaten by Aboriginal Australians. When I back packed Australia many years ago I had the opportunity to try one. The photo on the right is completely posed. I did not eat it raw! I did, however, try it roasted in ashes and it was really nutty, almost like almonds or peanut butter.
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Brazil
Bush tucker refers to food native to Australia, including animals and plants which may be hard to find for this theme day. Instead try some of these Australian inspired choices.
Damper:
Damper is a thick home-made bread traditionally prepared by early European settlers in Australia. It is a bread made from a simple dough of flour, salt and water (butter if available). Once the ingredients are kneaded together it is baked in the coals of a campfire, either directly or within a camp oven.
Make some damper (a traditional Australian soda bread made by swagmen or drovers camping) by following these instructions: