ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

A little bit rushed, have a bit going on. But might add that it is a true story.

Lamington Sponge Cakes
© Ron Boughton 15/2/23.

The wives had all met at the pre-school, when the kids were young,
And firm friendships that were valued, had from that meeting sprung,
Five couples brought together, through our kids of mutual age
Resulting therein, many good times of that parent stage.
With numerous picnics, dinners, and celebrations of course,
Where, culinary skills would flourish that all would endorse!
With always lots of shyacking and stirring going on
All taken as implied, through which fun and good humour shone!

We were all Unc’s and Aunties to the billy lids by now,
And ‘Aunty Jan’, with trademark …tenacity on her brow,
Would, in record time, produce from what just seemed like thin air!
Those cooking masterpieces offered for the gang to share!
And one of those was her lamingtons, that were to die for,
And never doubtful was the request; please! could we have more!
But one time, when a bit cheeky, just a few of us blokes,
Were in perfection paid back, by one of Jans square-up jokes!

The lamingtons were iced, in usual mouth-watering style
Ingredients of: cocoa powder, half a cup then add a smile,
Two cups of icing sugar, sift, then melted butter add
Then half a cup of milk and stir well, then, taste just a tad,
Two cups of shredded coconut for coating the finish
And those mouth juices will have no chance to diminish!
The secret sponge centre recipe was no small surprise,
For normally, was a worthy C.W.A. prize!

On this occasion though, we found the recipe had changed
And saying that, it wasn’t, just ingredients rearranged,
Because the centre had become a whole new experience
That tested the taste buds in culinary variance!
For as we all took a bite the realisation hit home
The centres were lamington size blocks …of ’Sponge’ rubber foam!
So if you ever try this trick, never cut them in half
Just serve them up sweetly then wait for that ...lip licking laugh!

Ha! Very good, Ron - a most enjoyable true story!

G/day Ron

Expertly homemade Lamington's as you say are to die for,
but it's rare to find one today in my neck of the woods,
And shop bought ones are so disappointing if you have tried the real thing.
I remember going to country dances as a young bloke (let's not go there),
and the farmers wives would seem to compete to see who could make the best sponge or lamington's.

Never came across one with foam in the middle though.
Good Yarn Ron.

Terry

Thanks Catherine and Terry, pleased that you enjoyed it,
Yes Terry those old country dances with all the home bakes did become a bit of a competition, whenever I hear of them now I always think of the old Swaggie in Edward Harringtons poem 'I can take a hint'.
Cheers
Ron

Good one Ron especially the ending - tricky

Do Scouts, Mothers groups etc even make home made lamingtons anymore???? I remember making dozens of them over the years when my son was in scouts, but seems council regulations got in the way of many of the old fund raising methods ... not actually knocking that because hygiene is of course important, but don't recall anyone dying either from eating homemade, cakes, biscuits or toffee apples.

Thank you Maureen, yes good point there, I too don’t recall anyone dying from homemade cakes etc.
Probably helped build immunity if anything.
Cheers
Ron.

Great story, Ron! The best tales are the true ones.

Cheers
Shelley

Thanks so much Shelley, pleased that you enjoyed it.
Cheers
Ron.