Traditional Anzac Biscuits

During these days of self-isolation, so many of us are searching for and experimenting with new recipes to help us pass the time. I had been looking recently for a simple and fast cookie recipe that I had never tried before. It was while watching an episode of Martha Stewart Living devoted to all things Australian on the Martha Stewart TV App that I came across a segment of Martha making a very simple cookie I had never heard of before. They are called Anzac biscuits. (The word ANZAC is an acronym, which stands for Australia New Zealand Army Corps.)

These cookies were made popular in that region during the First World War when ingredients were scarce. Soldiers' wives could also include them in care packages sent abroad because the recipe does not call for eggs or anything particularly perishable. Flour, sugar, baking soda, rolled oats, butter, dried coconut and Lyle's Golden Syrup (an English pantry staple) are all that's needed. Better still, the ingredients can all be prepared in one bowl: no mixer required! I've included Martha's recipe below. I urge you try them if you haven't yet. They are sweet and crunchy, perfect with a cup of tea.

ANZAC Cookies (Australia New Zealand Army Corps)

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups rolled oats

2 cups sugar

1 cup desiccated coconut

2 sticks unsalted butter

2 tablespoons Lyle's Golden Syrup

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 cup boiling water

STEP ONE:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, sugar, and coconut. Set aside.

STEP TWO:

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter with syrup. Dissolve baking soda in boiling water and add to butter mixture. Stir to combine. (Be careful; if the butter is hot, it will bubble up considerably.)

STEP THREE:

Add butter mixture to dry ingredients and stir to combine. Using a 1 1/2-inch ice-cream scoop, drop onto prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart (be sure to pack the scoop tightly so the mixture doesn't crumble). Flatten cookies slightly with the heel of your hand.

STEP FOUR:

Bake until golden brown and firm but not hard, about 15 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool.