History of the Lady Lamington

Matthew McKenzie, also now known as Celebrity Chef 'Outback Matty' from Jamie Oliver's Fifteen Melbourne program has recently secured a position as head chef for Merlo Kitchen Catering Company there new "High Tea Room" located at "Old Government House" in Brisbane (CBD) Queensland University of Technology.
 
The newly renovated historic building launched with the reopening on June the 7th 2009. Since then it has been the cakes icing attracting all different audiences to the open house. Old Government House was the official residence of the Governors of QLD up until 1910. Following an extensive refurbishment by QUT, Old Government House has been freshly restored to its former glory costing the government roughly 4 million dollars in renovations an featuring a sweeping staircase and a hand crafted crystal chandelier estimating at $100,000 located in the main hall formally used for the Governors of QLD hosting the high society balls and banquets.
 
When Matthew is not talking about his delicious food on ABC radio or catering for the Queensland state premier Anna Bligh and the Governor General Ms Quentin Bryce, this chef is cooking up some real passion in his kitchen outback! Old Government House now famous for its High Teas and Lamington's is the new preferred location for an elegant and sophisticated event or function.

Toowoomba, Brisbane and New Zealand all claim the lamington that cube, sometimes finger, of staleish sponge dipped in chocolate and swathed in coconut that has become the quintessential Australasian cake as their own.
 
The truth is, says Dr Katie McConnell, historian and curator of Old Government house, that the Lamington came into being in 1900 at Old Government House.
 
"It has to be. Governor Lord Lamington and his wife Lady Lamington brought Armand Galland, the French chef who invented the lamington back with them to QLD from the UK in 1900, "Dr McConnel said.
 
"The Lamington's took Monsieur Galland with them to their summer home in Toowoomba but Government House in Brisbane is where they would have had large numbers of unexpected guests and the lamington was first whipped up in a hurry to disguise the staleness of the sponge.
 
"the New Zealand claim comes from Galland's stay there when he accompanied the Duke and Duchess of York in June 1901 after the Lamington's had returned to England."

By Niki Widdoson (QUT)

The Original Lamington Recipe - Provided by Matthew McKenzie
 
The cake is easier to handle if it's a little stale; day old cake is ideal. Sponge or butter cake can also be used.
 

Ingredients:   6 eggs 2/3 cup caster sugar 1/3 cup corn flour 1/2 cup plain flour 1/3 cup self-raising flour 2 cups coconut 2 cup cocoa grains 2 tb sp butter, melted 2/3 cup milk