ANZAC biscuit recipe

Tomorrow is ANZAC Day ( Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) when, on the 25th April we remember all soldiers who fought for us.

ANZAC Day is one of Australia’s most important national occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

I remember going into Melbourne and standing with many others by the flame of remembrance with tears in my eyes as dawn broke over the Shrine of Remembrance as I listened to a lone bugler playing the last post. Unforgettable.

Later I enjoyed a Gunfire breakfast and mingled with old diggers, Vietnam Veterans and many from many other wars and conflicts. I shook their hands to convey in some small way my thanks. .

This year it is different. In this coronavirus lock-down I will be observing social distancing by standing on my own out the front of our house here in Victoria with a lit candle. I will remember them in my own way. Respectful, grateful and so humbled by their achievements 

Lest we forget

I will then come inside and make the Traditional ANZAC biscuits by taking

1 cup of coconut
1 cup of rolled oats
1/2 cup of sugar
3/4 cup plain flour
Melt 1/4 lb butter 2 tabs Golden syrup and add 1 teas carb soda

Mix and roll in small spoonfuls onto a floured baking tray, leaving room for the biscuits to spread
Bake in a moderate oven (approximately 200 degrees) for ten minutes.

(I often bake double quantities. Believe me, they disappear quickly)

Store in an airtight tin immediately they are cold (if you are lucky and have enough left)

How did the dawn service in the city start? It is suggested that the Dawn Service observed on Anzac Day has its origins in a military routine still followed by the Australian Army. The half-light of dawn was one of the times favoured for launching an attack. Soldiers in defensive positions were woken in the dark before dawn, so by the time first light crept across the battlefield they were awake, alert, and manning their weapons; this is still known as the “stand-to”.

Also in 1927 a group of returned men returning at dawn from an Anzac Day function held the night before came upon an elderly woman laying flowers at the Sydney Cenotaph. Joining her in this private remembrance, the men later resolved to institute a dawn service the following year.  

I hope you all stay safe and well during this difficult time

Self Publishing: ‘What time is it there?’ is on Kindle

I’m so excited. What time is it there? is finally registered as a Kindle e-book on Amazon books.

For a free sample click on the ‘read Amazon’ link

I had so much fun tweaking this book and adding the humorous voice of the older Diane writing a novel.

It’s fun to actually let loose and enjoy writing a book. Sometimes, as authors, we can become bogged down with editing and refining our work for possible publication . This book was fun and I enjoyed every minute. I love the cover designed by Luke Harris of Working Type.

Posey Quill owner, Wendy J Dunn  was fabulous and walked me through publishing this novel, even though it put on hold her fabulous (I’ve read it) 4th Tudor book she is soon to publish and promote.

David Major  of a Distant Mirror did the Interior layout and design and formatted this Kindle e-book version

I learnt so much and am very grateful to all who gave welcome advice just when I needed it most. Many thanks to Paul Whitting who gently guided me through the intricacies of my computer and Facebook (even though I’m definitely technologically challenged). Everyone needs someone to turn to when things are difficult.

I had to overcome many prejudices about self publishing and realized that up front you have to pay people to design your cover, edit and format your work.  I didn’t even realize that to format an actual book and a Kindle e-book were two different areas of expertise. However, it is worth all the pain and pressure just to have a well designed book in your hand. It also makes you realize why traditional publishers give you such a small return. They have to do all this for you.

How fortunate I was to have managed to get this book up and running and to actually launch What time is it there? just before the coronavirus lock-down.

May you all remain safe and well during this difficult time