A fresh lamington; one where you have to lean over the sink to eat so coconut and sponge crumbs don’t fall on the floor; is something to behold. Unfortunately, sponge cake is notorious for going stale within about 6 minutes of coming out of the oven, so it’s really hard to find a decent lamington. But, lo and behold, I have found a lamington – my favourite lamington. And each time I purchase them, they never disappoint. There is a bakery stall at the Kelvin Grove Markets, held on a Saturday, that bakes up some delicious breads and pastries. Tucked away to the side there are to be found 6-packs (how very Australian) of Lamingtons for $6. NOT KIDDING! Quality at a good price! They are so fresh the chocolate icing is still wet. The sponge is so soft and delicate, that when you pick it up, you have to almost scoop it into your palm to prevent it from breaking apart. The coconut falls everywhere when you transport it from the pack to your mouth. I usually step outside onto the grass to eat mine, or over the sink. A definite pre-requisite of a damn good lamington.
The 6-pack
Lamington Goodness
The long and complicated history of Lamingtons can be found here, but I don’t want to get into that here. Lamingtons are delicious and bloody Australian, and that’s all I need to know!
The other wares on sale at the stall
So what I’d like to know, do you have a favourite lamington? Where is it to be found? Please share with me the secret location of YOUR favourite lamington.
YES! I am also a lamington lover, and whine periodically about the dearth of decent ones. A couple of months ago I bought a tray of them from that very same stall at Kelvin Grove, and MAN! Heaven! My kids (then aged 2) tasted their first ever lamington that day, and I supposed I’ve spoiled them now — few are going to be as good after that.
I just found your blog via Craftzine, the title “Australian Fairy Bread” catching my attention. Great to find you!
[...] (internal monologue) Ugh… damn, forgot about those lamingtons I bought 2 days ago. What a waste. I’m gonna chuck them. Hang on. No, they could still be [...]