Lamingtons

I don't know much about Australia. In fact, there are only a few things that come into my mind when people mention this kangaroo land. That are surfing, sunshine, ocean waves, and this one lovely lady, Cherie. She quietly introduced me to this lovely little land. So now, a few more images were added into my head, and whenever someone mention Australia, I now think of the birght blue sky, wholesome food, nice people, and strawberry field. None of them really related but they were woven into this one image under the name "Australia". Only in my head, of course.

"Pure" would be more than appropraite here describing her. Cherie is the kind of person who wouldn't care so much about how it supposed to be, but about how it should be. She is often quiet about who she was and has never boasted around about what she has been doing for the kids both here in Thailand and Cambodia. I just adore that about her. I really do.

When I was writing some parts of this post in class, I didn't want to write too much becuase I found words are indequate and could not find the right way to verbalize how I really felt about this lovely lady. I was about to stop it right there and keep this post short but when I was about to give up, this poem I've just learned in my American Literature class came into my mind and without hesitation, I knew it was for Cherie.

There are a few things I would ask you here before you start reading the poem. I want you to read it and think of the most naive and lovely eyes of a child you've ever seen and after you read it, look around and see what's around you.

I hope you understand what the poem meant and I hope that you will think of it sometimes.

Much Madness is divinest Sense --

To a discerning Eye --

Much Sense - the starkest Madness --

’Tis the Majority

In this, as all, prevail -

Assent --and you are sane -

Demur -- you’re straightway dangerous -

And handled with a Chain --

P.S. Thanks Cherie for always supporting us in every way. You are one of the reasons that this blog is still here. Also, we've never thought that our food picture would have made it to anyone's phone or computer, but you made it even BETTER by putting it one the fridge! Thanks for making us realize that at least, our blog is making someone out there happy! I'm so glad :) -Candice

Lamington (German Chocolate Cake Version) ​

This cake reminded me of Cherie a lot since it originated in Australia! But this version, i've adapted it into my version by using coconut milk and turned this german chocolate cake recipe that i love into this bite size sweet treats!

What you need :

Cake :

1 cup butter, melted

1/2 cup chocolate chips, melted

1 cup white sugar

4 eggs

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 3/4 cup flour​

1/2 tsp salt

4 tsp baking powder

5 tbsp coco powder.

Frosting :

adapted from Hilah's cooking

2 egg yolks

6 ounces coconut milk

2 tsp vanilla

1/2 cups white sugar

1/3 cup butter cut into pats

2 cups coconut flakes to put into the filling + more for coating

First combine the wet and the dry ingredients in separated bowls. Prepare the square baking pans by lining them with parchment paper. Mix the wet ingredients until everything is well combined. Mix the wet and the dry mixtures together. Do not overmix! And pour them onto the prepared baking pans. Making sure both pans have about the same amount of batter. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 350'F. Keep an eye on it cause you do not want your cake to be dry out.

For the filling, put everything into the pot except for the coconut flakes and cook on medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Keep stiring at all time. Turn the gas down and reserve about half a cup of the mixture in a bowl. Now you can add the coconut flakes. Mix well and let cool.

Once the cakes have cool completely. Spread the coconut mixture on one of the cake and carefully put another cake on top. These cakes are really delicate so you have to be careful not to break them. Once you get it out of the tray, cut them into the square shape whatever size you want your lamingtons to be. I cut mine quite big cause i wanted them to be chucky. Once you cut them, carefully dip each one into the filling mixture you'd reserved and make sure everypart of your cakes get covered in the mixture. This will give the moisture to your cakes later on. Then, coat each cakes with coconut flakes. And now you are done!!! Enjoy your lamingtons :D