This update of the traditional Anzac biccie is a zesty take on an old favourite. Of course we love to include our friends with special food requirements, so this wheat free Anzac biscuit recipe is extra special.
The story of how the Anzac biccie came to be is a beautiful one. Australian and New Zealander soldiers fighting in Gallipoli during World War I were rationed out army biscuits, also known as Anzac tiles. The biccies were notoriously hard and flavourless – one Irish priest serving in Gallipoli cast his scathing eye over the bread substitute; “…the man who invented the army biscuit was an unmitigated rascal. As an eatable there is little to choose between it and a seasoned jarrah board.” Obviously, a lot left to be desired.
It was out of these dire circumstances that the women on the home front came to the rescue. Mothers, wives, sweethearts and sisters opted to make their version of Anzac biscuits, a concotion of rolled oats, golden syrup and bicarbonate of soda. The eggless biscuits were perfect for long journeys to the trenches via the seas, were chewy from the outset and so would not become stale, and were sweet and comforting.
We’ve added a little lemon zest to this recipe to combat the sickly, treacly sweetness of the original. Shredded or dessicated coconut is pretty standard in a modern version of the biccie, but we’ve also used coconut flour and almond meal to produce a wheat free recipe for you. For a crispier biccie, flatten the biscuits quite a lot and cook for a full 15 minutes. If a chewier consistency is what you prefer, leave the biscuits quite thick, and take them out after about 10 minutes of baking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 160°C.
- Meanwhile, mix the coconut flour, almond meal, rolled oats, coconut, brown sugar and lemon zest in a bowl.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter with golden syrup and water over a low heat. Once the butter has melted bring to a simmer, then and bicarbonate soda.
- Add the butter and sugar mix to the dry ingredients and fold though. The mixture should be sticky and moist, but able hold a shape.
- Roll into balls about 2cm around and place on a lined baking tray. With a fork or spatula, press down on the balls so that they flatten.
- Bake at 160°C for 10 - 15 minutes. The biscuits are done when they are golden brown. For a crispier biccie, flatten the biscuits quite a lot and cook for a full 15 minutes. If a chewier consistency is what you prefer, leave the biscuits quite thick, and take them out after about 10 minutes of baking.
Ode of Remembrance
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them
Lest We Forget
If you’d like to purchase a poppy this Anzac Day, you can do so here.