Saucy Aussie

The end of World War II brought a great deal of  change in  the Australian cuisine. People from Europe and Asia brought new crops, seasonings, and cooking methods with them. Wheat, rice, oranges, bananas, and grapes are just a few of the crops that grow in abundance throughout the country. Meat has always been a large part of the Australian diet. However, Australians began to be concerned about controlling cholesterol and fat in their diet like many other countries around the world, and have began to decrease their consumption of meat slightly toward the end of the twentieth century. Kangaroo, was once a popular meat in Australia's early history, however, is no longer widely consumed. Today beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and seafood are more common in Australia.Another interesting fact is that Australians call ketchup tomato sauce.

A typical breakfast in Australia may consist of fruit, toast with Vegemite which is a salty yeast spread, fried eggs and bacon, and juice. Lunch may be an apple or a salad with a sandwich filled with tuna or deli meats, and an ANZAC biscuit for a treat. (ANZAC is the acronym for Australia and New Zealand Army Corps. Many people think these biscuits were first prepared for troops around 1915 during World War I. A typical Australian dinner often includes leg of lamb or barbecued prawns, roasted vegetables, a salad, and a custard or tart for dessert. Damper , a simple homemade bread, and billy tea , named for the pot it is heated in, both remain a staple for any meal. The national dish of Australia is often considered to be meat pies.

Most Australians spend holidays with family and participate in special events and prepare a festive meal. Since the temperatures are a lot milder than they are here in Canada, meals are often consumed outdoors at a picnic or on the beach. Because Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are the opposite of those in North America and Europe. Christmas falls in the middle of summer, when most school children are on their summer vacation. A typical Christmas menu may include a variety of hot and cold meats, seafood, pasta, salads, and many types of desserts. Mince pies, fruitcake, shortbread, and plum pudding are also popular      after-dinner treats.

Easter is also widely celebrated in Australia. A traditional menu consists of roast lamb, beef, or chicken with roasted vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, peas, or broccoli. Seafood, lasagna, and salads are also favorites. Pavlova, an elegant dessert made of egg whites and sugar and garnished with fruit, is a popular Easter dessert. Most children prefer candy, and chocolate eggs are Easter favorites. Treats are often shaped like an Easter bilby, an endangered Australian mammal that resembles the North American Easter bunny.