Diandra's Mum

Description:
Lamingtons are Australian cake consisting of square of sponge cake dipped in chocolate icing and rolled in desiccated coconut, sometimes they have a layer of jam in the middle of the sponge.

Ingredients:
Basic Butter Cake:

Follow this basic butter cake recipe and try a few variations such as
the grated rind of an orange or lemon, sultanas or other dried fruit,
chopped nuts and spices.

Ingredients:
4 oz butter or margarine
3/4 cup (4 1/2 oz) castor sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
2 eggs
2 cups (8 oz) self raising flour
pinch salt
1/2 cup milk



Directions:
Brush two 8 inch sandwich tins with melted butter. Set oven temperature to moderate (350 degrees F/180 degrees C)
Cream shortening (butter or margarine) and sugar with vanilla until mixture is white, light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the lightly beaten eggs. If using an electric mixer add eggs one at a time and beat well after each.
Sift flour and salt three times and then fold into creamed mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour. When mixture is smooth pour into prepared tins. (Beating at this stage will cause tunnels through the cake).
Lightly smooth top and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a fine skewer will come out clean. Cool on wire racks.

Thin Chocolate Icing:
Ingredients:
1 lb. icing sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
4 tablespoons boiling water
1/2 teaspoon butter
Few drops of vanilla

Desiccated coconut for rolling cakes in after icing

Method:
Sift sugar and cocoa powder into a basin. Add 4 tblsp boiling water, 1/2 teaspoon butter and a few drops of vanilla and stir until smooth and shiny. If icing sets stand bowl in hot water until icing thins down.