Lamington

Lamington

A Lamington is a traditional Australian dessert consisting of squares of sponge cake coated in an outer layer of chocolate sauce and rolled in desiccated coconut. The cake is sometimes filled with a layer of jam or cream.

History

The origin of the Lamington is often attributed to Lord Lamington, who served as the Governor of Queensland from 1896 to 1901. According to popular legend, the dessert was created by his chef, Armand Galland, when unexpected guests arrived at Government House and he needed to prepare something quickly. Another theory suggests that the cake was named after Lady Lamington, the wife of Lord Lamington.

Ingredients

The basic ingredients for a Lamington include:

• Sponge cake
• Chocolate sauce
• Desiccated coconut
• Optional: jam or cream

Preparation

The preparation of Lamingtons involves several steps: 1. Baking the sponge cake and allowing it to cool. 2. Cutting the cake into squares. 3. Dipping each square into chocolate sauce. 4. Rolling the chocolate-coated squares in desiccated coconut. 5. Optionally, slicing the squares in half and adding a layer of jam or cream.

Variations

There are several variations of the traditional Lamington, including:

• **Cream-filled Lamingtons**: These have a layer of cream in the middle.
• **Jam-filled Lamingtons**: These include a layer of jam.
• **Double-dipped Lamingtons**: These are dipped in chocolate sauce twice for a richer flavor.

Cultural Significance

Lamingtons are a popular treat in Australia and New Zealand, often served at fundraising events known as "Lamington drives." They are also enjoyed during Australia Day celebrations and other national events.

See also

• Australian cuisine
• Sponge cake
• Chocolate cake
• Dessert