Mama's Fry Bakes ( St. Vincent and the Grenadines)
West Indian breakfast bread. Fry bakes is the Trinidadian name. The rest of the Caribbean calls this Johnny Cakes. According to Côte-Çi, Côte-Là: Trinidad & Tobago Dictionary, by John Mendes, © 1986, "A Johnny Bake was originally called a journey bake, cooked especially so that it will remain edible on a long journey." It is a simple dough which can be roasted baked or fried. Stuff it with cheese, or with fried fish, or sausages or Recipe #220176 (salted cod fish). They are delicious plain, warm and slathered in butter. My 'Mama' (Grandma) on Canouan Island in the Grenadines made the best fried bakes that I know. I have tried to re-create her recipe. The yeast in this recipe is my personal preference. Traditionally this recipe does not use yeast. Will yield a marginally denser (no less delicious) bake without the yeast.
INGREDIENTS
Nutrition- 4cups flour
- 4teaspoons baking powder
- 1teaspoon salt
- 1⁄4cup shortening
- 1teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1⁄2
- 1cup vegetable oil (approx)
DIRECTIONS
- If not using yeast, omit step 6. The dough can be rolled out and fried immediately.
- Mix together the flour, salt, baking powder and yeast.
- Rub in the shortening.
- Add sufficient water to the flour mixture to make a smooth dough.
- Knead dough lightly until smooth.
- Cover with a damp cloth and leave dough to relax for ½ hr).
- After dough has rested for ½ hour, divide and shape into 12 balls.
- Roll each ball of dough on a lightly floured surface, to 1/4 " thick and 3 1/2" round.
- Fry in hot oil until brown on both sides.
- Put on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- These freeze well and can be reheated in the microwave.