Australian Shortbread

2 cups rolled oats, 1 cup sugar, 1 small cup coconut, 1 tsp. baking powder, 1/4 lb butter, few almonds (if liked), 1 tbsp. golden syrup.

Mix dry ingredients together, add butter (melted) and golden syrup (just warm). Press into flat dish, cut in squares when nearly cold. Cook until golden brown, about 15 mins.

Source: contributed by Mrs. C. F. Schulze in Urania Methodist Guild Jubilee Cookery Book (Kadina/Moonta: The South Australian Farmer Print, 1963), p.67.

Christmas Jewels

3/4 cup glace fruit, 3/4 cup [glacé] cherries, 1/4 cup raisins, one third cup almonds, 1 tsp. lemon juice, 1 tbspn. golden syrup, 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup sugar. 1/2 cup plain flour. 

Method: Toss all fruit in flour, melt sugar, golden syrup and butter. Pour on to fruit, blend. Place teaspoon on greased slide in cool oven, press flat with the bottom of a glass.

Source: contributed by Mrs. A. T. Johns in Urania Methodist Guild Jubilee Cookery Book (Kadina/Moonta: The South Australian Farmer Print, 1963), p.70.

Christmas Cake (simple to make)

1 lb. butter.
1 lb. brown sugar.
10 eggs.

Beat well until creamy.

1 heaped tablespoon syrup or marmalade jam.
1 oz. butter.
1&1/2 wineglasses of whisky.

In saucepan, brown sugar and butter, add whisky gradually -- will soften eggs and sugar and butter mixture when added.

Approx. 3 lbs. fruit, consisting of:
1/2 lb. raisins.
1 lb. mixed fruit.
1/2 lb. sultanas.
1/4. lb. dates.
1/4. lb. cherries.
1/4. lb. almonds.
1/4. lb. lemon peel.

More fruit may be added if desired, such as figs, ginger, etc.

Add alternately with fruit, 1&1/2 lb. plain flour, 1 teaspoon spice, pinch cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg.

Method: Bake in slow oven at 300 degrees [F] for first hour, then reduce heat to 200 degrees [F] for further 2 hours. (This quantity will fill one 8" and one 6" square tin.)

Source: contributed by Mrs. Bennett Webb in The Walford Recipe Book. Compiled by the Parent-Teacher Association of the Walford Church of England Girls' School. (Adelaide: Messenger Press; October 1966), p.43.

Light Birthday Cake

4 ozs. S.R. flour.
4 ozs. plain flour.
6 ozs. butter or margarine.
6 ozs. sugar.
1 lb. mixed fruit.
2 ozs. almonds.
1/2 cup warm milk.
1/2 cup treacle.
3 eggs.
1 tablespoon brandy (if liked).

Method: Cream butter and sugar, add treacle, beat in eggs one at a time, then add fruit and flour with pinch salt, and mix alternately with milk. Lastly add brandy. Bake in moderate oven in 8" square or equivalent tin, lined with buttered paper. Gas 320 degrees in middle of oven 1&3/4 to 2 hours. Let cool in tin.

Source: contributed by Mrs. R. Duffner in The Walford Recipe Book. Compiled by the Parent-Teacher Association of the Walford Church of England Girls' School. (Adelaide: Messenger Press; October 1966), p.43.

Slice or Biscuits

4 ozs butter/margarine
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup Corn Flakes, crushed
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup plain flour
1/2 cup 'bits' - chopped almonds, cherries, ginger, apricot, or anything else you fancy
1/2 cup sultanas
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

Method: Cream butter and sugar. Mix in rest of ingredients. If for slice press into Swiss roll tin - cook 180° for about 20 minutes.

Use for biscuits - make small balls and flatten slightly. Cook 180° for about 15 minutes or till cooked.

Source: contributed by Jill Perkins in Penneshaw Area School: Culinary Creations (Penneshaw Area School Welfare Club, Kangaroo Island: 1998), p.88.

Ice Cream

Pour 4 litres softened ice cream over 2 packets marshmallows, 1/2 cup brandy, which has 1 tablespoon Nescafé dissolved in it. Leave for an hour or so. Beat ice cream and add mixture and 1/2 carton beaten cream and 1 cup chopped grilled almonds. Before serving grate a cake of chocolate over it.

Source: contributed by Nan Rischbieth in Penneshaw Area School: Culinary Creations (Penneshaw Area School Welfare Club, Kangaroo Island: 1998), p.76.

Chocolate Almond Gateau

1 x 8" sponge cake
1/4 pint strong coffee
1-2 tbs Tia Maria

Filling:
3 oz butter
1 egg yolk
1-1&1/2 oz cocoa
1-2 tbs strong coffee
3 oz sieved icing sugar
2-3 oz blanched ground almonds

To decorate:
Carton of cream
Grated chocolate
1-2 tbs Tia Maria
browned chopped almonds

Method: Line a cake tin (same diameter as the sponge) with greaseproof paper. Cut cake into 3 layers and put one into the tin. Mix the coffee and Tia Maria and moisten the bottom layer of cake.

Cream butter and add all ingredients of filling to give a soft consistency and spread half over cake. Cover with a second layer of cake and moisten with coffee mix, cover with remaining filling mix. Put on third layer of cake and moisten with rest of coffee mix. Cover with greaseproof paper and then a plate. Leave in frig at least several hours (can be days) then turn out when ready to decorate. Whip cream, add Tia Maria and spread all over cake. Decorate with almonds and chocolate.

Source: The Parson Knows: Easy Dinner Party Recipes (The Parish of St. Stephen, Glenunga; n.d.), p.34 ['Autumn Menu']

Almond Peach Torte

Ingredients: 1/2 pkt plain sweet biscuits, 4 oz margarine.

Filling: 1 pkt lemon jelly crystals, 6 oz peach nectar (juice from preserved canned peaches), 1 pkt Philadelphia cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 tsp almond essence, 1 large can chilled evaporated milk, peach slices, 3 Tbls lemon juice.

Method: Make crumb crust and press into container. Dissolve jelly crystals in hot peach juice. Cool. Cream cheese, almond essence and sugar until fluffy. Add jelly and when partially set, whip iced evaporated milk and lemon juice in with this mixture. Fold in drained, sliced peaches. Pour into casing, chill and decorate with cream and almonds.

Source: contributed by B. Bastian in Booleroo Centre Primary School 1885-1985 Centenary Recipe Book (Revised edition 1985 of 1970 edition), p.47.

Christmas Cake (good and moist)

1 cup brown sugar, 2 cups plain flour, 1 tsp. carb soda, 1/2 lb. currants, few almonds, 1/2 lb. butter, pinch of salt, 1/2 lb. raisins, 1/2 lb. dates, 1 tsp. mixed spice, 6 eggs, little brandy, 1/2 lb. sultanas, lemon peel, 1 tsp. cinnamon.

Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and beat well. Add sifted flours and fruit alternately.

Bake 2 to 3 hours.

Source: contributed by Mrs J. Tyler, Mrs D. Carmichael in Urania Methodist Guild Cookery Book. Book II. (Kadina: Kadina & Wallaroo Times, 1965), p.71.

A Scripture Christmas Cake. How to make a Novel Tea Dainty from Biblical Ingredients.

Four cupfuls and a half, I. Kings iv. 22; half a pound, Judges v. 25; two cupfuls, Jeremiah vi. 20; two cupfuls, Nahum iii. 12; two cupfuls, I. Samuel xxx. 12; two cupfuls, Numbers, xvii. 8; two teaspoonfuls, I. Samuel xiv, 25; to taste, II. Chronicles ix. 9; six, Jeremiah xvii. 11; one cupful and a half, Judges iv. 19; two teaspoonfuls, Amos iv. 5; one pinch, Leviticus ii. 13. Directions, Proverbs xxiii. 14. Bake one and a half to two hours. Baking powder can be used instead of yeast. 

Source: Ideal Recipe Book for use of Currants, Raisins, Sultanas and Grapes. Also Recipes for Refreshing Fruit Beverages and Party Drinks. Issued by Woman's Christian Temperance Union of South Australia. Fifth Edition (Adelaide: n.d. [?after 1933]), p.9.

Bottled Christmas Pudding

1 lb. butter, 1 lb. dark sugar, 1&1/2 lbs. sultanas, 1&1/2 lbs. seeded raisins, 1/2 lb. mixed peel, 4 oz. almonds, 14 oz. breadcrumbs, 10 oz. plain flour, 2 tsp. nutmeg, 1 tsp. ginger, 1 tsp. all spice, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 2 tsp. salt, 2 tsp. soda, 2 tbsp. brandy, 8 eggs, 1/2 cup milk.

Method: Beat butter and sugar, add eggs one at a time, beat well, add dry ingredients, then brandy and milk. Fill (No. 31) preserve jars two thirds full, put rings, lids and clips on. Stand jars in sterilizer. Fill with cold water three parts up jars and bring gently to the boil, keep boiling for 8 hrs. This mixture fills 8 jars. When wanting to use stand jar in saucepan of hot water for one hour. Serve with custard, cream or icecream.

Source: contributed by Mrs G. Sandercock in Urania Methodist Guild Cookery Book. Book II. (1965), p.37.

Toffee

2 cups sugar, 1 cup water, 2 tbsp. vinegar, 1 cup almonds (not blanched). Boil fast until it pops 9 times.

G.Kelly.

*

Does not always pop nine times, so cook for approx 20 mins., without stirring.

Miss Coralie Kelly.

Source: Urania Methodist Guild Cookery Book. Book II. (1965), p.81.

Finger Biscuits

2 cups S.R. flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup butter, 1/2 cup milk, 2 eggs - use yolks only, keep whites for icing. Rub butter into sugar and flour; beat yolks and add milk; mix all together. When a nice stiff paste, roll out thin. Beat whites of eggs, add icing sugar till thin enough to spread. Sprinkle with chopped almonds or cocoanut; cut in finger shapes and bake quickly.

Source: contributed by Mrs. O. Brettig, Lobethal in The Golden Wattle Cookery Book. Compiled by Ladies of the Kindergarten Committee. In aid of Kindergarten Funds. (Lobethal: 1948), p.70.

Minnie's Grandma's Gingerbread

8 oz butter

5 oz sugar

6 oz treacle

8 oz SR flour

1 egg

2 tabspn ground ginger

Method: Melt butter to oil, add sugar and treacle. Mix together until there is no "free oil" floating in it. Add ginger and flour sifted together. Mix well and add beaten egg. Line a lamington tin, 8" x 12". Put half almonds on top so that when cut a piece will be on each section. Bake in a moderate oven 40-45 mins.

Source: contributed by Mollie Ogden in The Embroiderers' Recipe Book. Compiled by members of The Embroiderers' Guild of South Australia Incorporated ([Adelaide], n.d.), p.47.

Sweet & Sour Chicken Sandwich Filling

1 small can crushed pineapple

2 cups chopped cooked chicken

125 g Philly cream cheese

4 spring onions, finely chopped including some of the green tops

2 tabspns finely chopped almonds

1 tspn salt or less

3 tspn soy sauce

(optional extras - parsley, grated carrot, finely chopped celery)

Method: Drain pineapple. Combine with remainder ingredients and add just enough of the reserved pineapple syrup to give a good spreading consistency.

Source: contributed by Irene Reid in The Embroiderers' Recipe Book. Compiled by members of The Embroiderers' Guild of South Australia Incorporated ([Adelaide], n.d.), p.77.

Cold Jellied Christmas Pudding

1 packet raspberry jelly

1 teaspn cinnamon

1/4 teaspn spice

1 pint hot water

3/4 cup prunes

3/4 cup raisins

1/4 cup almonds

1/4 cup mixed peel

3/4 cup corn flakes (crushed)

1 tablspn brandy

Method: Combine spices with fruit and wine overnight. Partly set jelly, add all other ingredients, reset mixture. Serve with cream or ice cream.

Source: Recipes tested by time... Centenary Cookery Book from 1840 (The Historical Society of Woodville, 1980), p.40.

Preserve Christmas Pudding

1 lb butter, 1 lb brown sugar, 1&1/2 [lb] seeded raisins and sultanas, 1/2 lb mixed fruit peel, 14 oz breadcrumbs, 10 oz plain flour, 4 oz finely chopped almonds, 2 tspn nutmeg, 1 tspn ginger, all spice and cinnamon, 2 small tspn salt, 2 tspn carbonate soda, 8 eggs, 2 tbspn brandy, 1/2 cup milk.

Method: Beat butter and sugar to a cream, add eggs one at a time, add dry ingredients, then brandy and milk. Fill jars 3/4 full. Put on rings, lids and clips and preserve keeping water gently boiling for 4 to 5 hours. Add more boiling water if necessary. Water should be up 3 parts of each bottle throughout. Start off with cold water. Recipe fills 7 to 8 Fowler jars and keeps well.

Source: contributed by Betty Wiech in Blyth Recipe Book: Favourite Tested Recipes of the Blyth Trinity Lutheran Ladies Guild (Blyth Womens Guild, 1972), p.27.

Nine Pop Toffee

1 cup almonds (with skins on)

1 cup water

2 cups sugar

1 tablespoon vinegar

Method: Put all ingredients into saucepan and boil moderately for 1/2 an hour. Don't stir at all. When almonds pop 9 times, remove from stove and pour into a well buttered dish. Let set and break into pieces. Delicious.

Source: contributed by Mrs. G. Cobbledick, A.C.H. Coonalpyn Auxiliary in The Adelaide Children's Hospital Recipe Book 1979 (Adelaide: 1979), p.49.

Christmas Cheesecake

250g mixed dried and glace fruits

3T dry sherry

90g chopped almonds

Grated rind of 1 lemon

400g cottage cheese

125g cream cheese

1/2c castor sugar

3/4c cream (whipped)

2t gelatine

3T lemon juice

Method: Line a 15cm x 27cm lamington tin with alfoil and grease. Chop mixed fruit finely, add almonds and lemon rind and set aside. Beat cheeses in a blender with sherry and sugar. Fold in thickly whipped cream and fruit and nut mixture. Sprinkle gelatine over lemon juice and dissolve over hot water. Cool and stir into cheese mixture. Spoon mixture into prepared tin, cover and refrigerate overnight. Invert onto a serving plate and decorate.

Source: Festive Fair: Christmas Menus (Adelaide: South Australian Gas Company, 'From the Home Service Department'; n.d. [early 1980s?]), pp.26-7.

Plum Pudding for Christmas (Eggless)

2 cups plain flour

1 cup raisins

2 cups boiling water

piece of butter the size of an egg

dash of brandy (to own taste) (optional)

1 cup sugar

1 cup currants

1 tspn. carb. soda

almonds/walnuts to taste (optional)

Method: Pour one cup of boiling water onto the butter and one cup of boiling water onto the soda. Mix well all the ingredients and steam for 3 hours or boil in a cloth for 2 hours. This is a thin mixture. (It can successfully be halved, and will serve 4 generously).

Source: Mantle of Safety Cookbook 2 (The Port Augusta Women's Air Branch Auxillary of the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, c1987), p.118.