Johnny Cakes / Journey Cakes

These cakes are found on many street corners in Belize, often deep fried. They are originally believed to be called Journey Cakes as they are suitable for trips, keeping for weeks. This is not the crumbly cornmeal version often found in the southern states. This baked version is from Africa Bites and uses coconut milk. Enjoy!

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Yields: 12 Johnny cakes

Ingredients

• 3  cups all-purpose flour
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1 1⁄4 cups coconut milk (plus extra to brush on to)
• 3  teaspoons baking powder
• 4  tablespoons shortening or 4  tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2  tablespoons sugar (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt; add shortening or butter, and, using your fingers, rub into flour mixture to form pea-size crumbles.
3. Gently stir in coconut milk into dry ingredients until all is moistened and holds together (like a ball).
4. Place on a floured board and knead for about a minute.Divide dough into about 12 pieces and roughly shape into ball.
5. Flatten each ball to ½ inch thick, place on cookie sheet and lightly poke the top of each ball with a fork, until covered with tiny holes. Brush with coconut milk.
6. Bake at 375° for 15-18 minutes or until lightly browned.
7. Remove and serve warm.