A vanilla slice, also known as a custard square, is a type of pastry.[1] It consists of a thick custard, which is traditionally flavoured with vanilla or chocolate, and which is sandwiched between flaky puff pastry or filo pastry and topped with icing sugar or thinly iced with either vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, raspberry or passion fruit icing.[2] It is one of a category of slices, both sweet and savory, common in Oceania.[3][4]
The Australian vanilla slice has been described as a uniquely Australian food, but comparisons have been drawn to the mille-feuille, which may have originated in France.[2][5][6]
An annual competition for the best vanilla slice baker is the Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph. Judging criteria include "when tasted, should reveal a custard with a creamy smooth texture and a balance of vanilla taste with a crisp, crunchy pastry topped with a smooth and shiny glaze/fondant".[7]
See also
References
- ↑ "The tasty treat the Aussies have ruined with their gross name". NZ Herald. Retrieved 2022-07-24.
- 1 2 Preston, Matt (21 October 2017) "These are 10 dishes that are completely unique to Australia, news.com.au. Retrieved 27 March 2019.
- ↑ Clark, Melissa (15 July 2022). "Make the Most of Too Much Summer Squash With the Zucchini Slice". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
- ↑ Volger, Lukas (2022). Snacks for dinner : small bites, full plates, can't lose. ISBN 978-0-06-314322-7. OCLC 1308436735.
- ↑ Beerden, Joel. (12 July 2017). "Top 10 Australian junk foods", Good Food, Retrieved 27 March 2019.
- ↑ Levey, Erle. (2 February 2016). 'Vanilla slice: great Oz tucker with a slice of life", Sunshine Coast Daily, Retrieved 27 March 2019.
- ↑ "Travel news - The Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph". Ninemsn. 20 July 2006. Retrieved 6 January 2007.