Anzac Biscuits

Legend has it that these cookies were invented Down
Under by Aussie and Kiwi women, who sent them to ANZAC
troops serving at Gallipoli in Turkey. they keep for
months and mail well.

makes: about two dozen.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
1 tablespoon golden syrup (refined cane syrup from
Australia, available in some US supermarkets, or
substitute dark corn syrup)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in 2 tablespoons
boiling water
1 cup uncooked rolled oats
1 cup dessicated or sweetened flaked coconut
1 cup plain flour
1 cup brown sugar

optional variations:
substitute up to 1/4 cup soy flour for equal amount of
the plain flour
add up to 2 teaspoons ground ginger
add up to 1 cup raisins or sultanas (use baking
raisins or soften the dried fruit in very hot water
for half an hour, drain) and 2 tablespoons honey wheat
germ. (could also probably use chopped dates or dried
cherries...i haven't tried this, but plan to...)

Instructions:
Melt butter and golden syrup in a heavy pan over low
heat. Add baking soda and boiling water. Combine dry
ingredients (except raisins and wheat germ if using)
then pour melted mixture into a well in the center.
Mix to a moist but firm consistency, add raisins and
wheat germ if using. Drop by slightly rounded
teaspoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake 350
for 15 minutes. Cool and....serve!