Puftaloon facts for kids

A puftaloon is a yummy, fried bread that's a bit like a scone. It's a popular treat in Australia, especially when it's cold outside. Kids often enjoy them as a warm snack.

What is a Puftaloon?

A puftaloon is a type of "quick bread." This means it doesn't need a long time to rise, unlike some other breads. It's cooked by frying, which gives it a crispy outside and a soft inside.

What Goes Into a Puftaloon?

Puftaloons are made from simple ingredients you might find in your kitchen. These include flour, salt, butter, and milk.

Traditionally, they are fried in something called dripping. Dripping is fat that comes from cooked meat, like beef or pork. It gives the puftaloon a special, rich flavor. Sometimes, people use other cooking fats or oils instead.

Puftaloons and Johnnycakes: A Bit of History

Puftaloons are also known by another name: "Johnnycakes." This name has a cool connection to Australian history and folk music.

The "Johnnycake" Connection

The name "Johnnycake" appears in an old Australian folk song called "Four Little Johnny Cakes." This song tells the story of a sheep shearer, who was a person who cut wool from sheep. He traveled around for his work.

In the song, the shearer is relaxing by a river. He sings about his simple but satisfying meal. He mentions his flour bag, his tea and sugar, a fish he just caught, and his "four little johnny-cakes." This shows that johnnycakes were a common and appreciated food for people working hard in the Australian countryside.

The song lyrics paint a picture of a peaceful moment:

• "With my little round flour-bag sitting on a stump,"
• "My little tea-and-sugar bag looking nice and plump,"
• "A little fat cod-fish just off the hook,"
• "And four little johnny-cakes, a credit to the cook."

This song helps us understand that puftaloons, or johnnycakes, have been a part of Australian culture for a long time. They are a simple, filling food that has brought comfort to many.