Australia Day Lamington Cupcakes!
It's over to you. Kim!
Happy Australia Day! Thank you to Natasha in Oz for this opportunity to celebrate this special holiday.
Mind boggling to think that in 1788 British ships with convicts were sent over to Australia. Today tourists – including British ones – escape the fetters of daily life to luxuriate in the beauties of Australia. (I’m not talking about the bikini-clad Sheilas!)
Seriously, one of the joys of blogging is meeting fellow foodies from around the world like Natasha from Oz. Natasha’s recipes are always beyond delicious. (Have you tried her Ooey Gooey Chocolate Coconut Brownies? Or her Buttery Chai Tea Cookies?) Reading posts written by Natasha and other Australian friends also gives me a glimpse into the culture.
Japanese food and language were all I knew until age 5 albeit I’m an American of European descent. Tokyo was my hometown until age 18. Learning about other cultures has always been important for this Ninja Baker. When we can appreciate the ways of another country, I do believe we see that love is expressed in a myriad of forms. It may not be our way. But it makes for peaceful living when we can see that a custom or tradition works well for another.
One truth that we all seem to adhere to around the world is the importance of food when we are celebrating! Tastes and textures may vary, but food is the way we come together as a community. In honor of Australia Day, this Ninja Baker has created an Australia Day Japanese Bento Box. The Ninja Baker’s Lamington Cupcake, two Aussie (Faux) Meat Pies, assorted veggies and Japanese candies are assembled in my bento lunch box for Australia Day. (Scroll down to see the cupcake and meat pie recipes.) How do you celebrate?
Australia Day Japanese Bento Box
Lamington Cupcakes
Butter rich cake with a delicate crumb is kissed with jam and chocolate. Sparkling sugar and coconut are sprinkled as garnish on the Lamington Cupcakes.
Ingredients:
Batter made from your favorite butter cake recipe or cake mix
½ cup strawberry jam (or another favorite jam – hope that’s not Australian blasphemy!)
12 ounces dark chocolate melting wafers
Sprinkles
¼ cup coconut flakes
Directions:
1. Divide your favorite butter cake recipe into cupcake cases. Swirl 1 teaspoon of jam into the batter. (Chopsticks are great twirling tools!) Bake at the prescribed oven temperature. Cool the cupcakes.
2. Melt the dark chocolate wafers in a double boiler or in a microwave.
3. Dip the baked cupcakes into the melted chocolate.
4. Sprinkle with sparkly sugar.
5. Garnish with coconut flakes.
Aussie Pie Bites
Flaky pie crust wrappers embrace tangy and sweet Asian flavors.
Ingredients:
Pie crust for a 9 inch/23 centimeter pie
¼ cup minced onions
2½ tablespoons sesame oil
1½ soy sauce
¼ cup finely shredded carrots
¼ cup finely shredded Fuji apples
¾ cup vegetarian (or real) beef crumbles
1 egg, slightly beaten
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425 Fahrenheit / 218 Celsius.
Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll out dough for a 9-inch/23 cm pie crust.
3. Cut out seven (or more) 3-inch/7.62 cm circles on a floured cutting board.
4. In a fry pan, sauté the onions in the sesame oil and soy sauce for 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Add the remaining ingredients except the egg.
6. Constantly stirring, continue to cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
7. Fill circles with a generous ½ teaspoon of the vegetarian (or real beef) mixture.
8. Fold the corners of the circle into a coin purse (as pictured.)
9. Brush the Aussie Pie Bites lightly with the egg.
10. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Ninja Note: There will be extra crumble which you can tuck into more rolled out pie crust dough. Or serve atop toast with Vegemite!
If you are a Japanese Bento Box fan, here are a few other ideas:
Breakfast Bento with Gluten-Free Mini Scones
Japanese Picnic Bento Box
Super Bowl Bento
Breakfast Bento with Gluten-Free Mini Scones
Japanese Picnic Bento Box
Super Bowl Bento
Super Bowl Bento
Please do Say G’Day and tell me how you celebrate Australia Day on social media.
G+
YouTube
Wishing you a 2015 worth celebrating.
Kim Watkinson, The Ninja Baker,
Thank you SO much for this delicious guest post Kim - I truly appreciate it!
If you aren't already following Kim you really MUST! She shares delicious recipes and fantastic videos about Japanese culture and cooking. Please do stop by and say g'day to Kim and tell her Natasha in Oz sent you!
If you would like to share a favourite recipe, craft project DIY or tutorial in the form of a guest post here at Natasha in Oz please let me know!
Thanks again for visiting today. I hope you have a wonderful week and Happy Australia Day to all of my Aussie friends!
Best wishes,
Natasha In Oz
Please join me each weekend for the Say G'day Saturday Linky Party!
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