Nita's Lamingtons

Ingredients

• 1.114 gram butter, for cake
• 2.160 gram sugar, for cake
• 3.2 eggs, for cake
• 4.0.75 cup milk, for cake
• 5.1 teaspoon cream of tartar, for cake
• 6.0.5 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda, for cake
• 7.1.75 cup plain flour, for cake
• 8.salt, pinch; for cake
• 9.1.75 cup water, boiling; for chocolate coating
• 10.85 gram butter, for chocolate coating
• 11.1.75 cup icing sugar, for chocolate coating
• 12.1.5 teaspoon vanilla essence, for chocolate coating
• 13.2.5 tablespoon cocoa powder, for chocolate coating
• 14.desiccated coconut, 1–2 packets; for rolling

Method

1. 1.CAKE: Cream butter and sugar until pale. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
2. 2.Sift remaining dry ingredients together. Add to the butter mixture alternately with milk.
3. 3.Place in greased square tins (8x10 inch). Hollow the centre of the batter very slightly to obtain a level cake.
4. 4.Bake in a moderate oven at 180°C for ½ hour or until golden brown.
5. 5.When cool, cut into squares.
6. 6.CHOCOLATE COATING: Mix together boiling water, butter, icing sugar, vanilla and cocoa and bring to the boil.
7. 7.Working quickly, dip each square into the chocolate sauce and then roll in desiccated coconut. Do not allow them to soak.

Notes

• Lamingtons are a South African and Australian classic — squares of sponge cake dipped in chocolate icing and rolled in coconut.
• The name Nita suggests these belong to a specific family member or contributor.
• Work quickly when dipping — the chocolate coating sets fast and the sponge will become soggy if soaked.