Language lessons

All definitions courtesy of Wikipedia

Homonym: one of a group of words that share the same spelling and the same pronunciation but have different meanings, usually as a result of the two words having different origins.

Flapjack (North America*): alternate name of a thin pancake that is not only crispy, but slightly chewy as well. A largely defining attribute of a flapjack is its large diameter, commonly measuring 30cm/12in or more.

Flapjack (UK): a tray bake (or bar cookie) made from rolled oats, fat (typically butter), brown sugar and usually golden syrup or honey.

*also, apparently, Australia

J’s Flapjack
How to confuse a bunch of Australians (or Americans, or Canadians): present them with a plate full of this, and then tell them it’s flapjack. Discuss how it’s not what they think of when they hear "flapjack" for as long as they can hold out without trying it (ie, not very long). After they’ve had some, they probably won’t care what it’s called.

200g/8oz butter
4 tbsp golden syrup**
200g/8oz porridge/rolled oats
100g/4oz shredded coconut
150g/6oz brown sugar
25g/1oz dried cranberries or other fruit of your choice (optional)

Melt the butter and golden syrup, then stir in the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. Spread in a shallow, 20cm/8in square baking pan. Cook at 180C/350F for about 40 minutes, rotating pan halfway through. It's not that easy to tell when it's done, but when you see that it's starting to brown around the edges, that's probably a good indicator. Cut while hot; leave to cool in the pan.

Makes 16-20 medium squares

** If you can’t get golden syrup, substitute sticky processed sugar product of your choice. Most recently, I made this with a combination of honey and maple syrup.


PS According to Wikipedia, "flapjack" can also refer to a type of seaweed, a hydraulic machine, a card game, and a professional wrestling throw. How versatile can you get?

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