This brought back memories. I taught in an international school in Bangkok in the 1992 to 2007, and those International Food Days were always a highlight, students in national dress, and all manner of food from every corner of the globe. I remember the challenge of representing Australia: a meat pie and a lamington, perhaps, but national costume? A cork hat or a nod to Crocodile Dundee seemed to be our only options. Your article made me smile and reflect on those days.
Yes, the lamington is indeed Australia’s grand contribution to the world of culinary arts - joking!. Its history goes back to the early 1900s, named after Lord Lamington, the Governor of Queensland. As the story goes, it was invented somewhat accidentally when a sponge cake was dropped into chocolate and then rolled in coconut to make it easier to handle. However it came about, it has earned its place as a national icon: humble, practical, and unexpectedly yummy.
Only an American can know what it is to be an American. But if you ask him, he has no idea.
This is an essay unto itself.
This brought back memories. I taught in an international school in Bangkok in the 1992 to 2007, and those International Food Days were always a highlight, students in national dress, and all manner of food from every corner of the globe. I remember the challenge of representing Australia: a meat pie and a lamington, perhaps, but national costume? A cork hat or a nod to Crocodile Dundee seemed to be our only options. Your article made me smile and reflect on those days.
Thanks for this, Peter. I did not know what a "lamington" was until today.
Yes, the lamington is indeed Australia’s grand contribution to the world of culinary arts - joking!. Its history goes back to the early 1900s, named after Lord Lamington, the Governor of Queensland. As the story goes, it was invented somewhat accidentally when a sponge cake was dropped into chocolate and then rolled in coconut to make it easier to handle. However it came about, it has earned its place as a national icon: humble, practical, and unexpectedly yummy.