BAHAMIAN JOHNNY CAKE (BREAD)
On many of the islands of the Bahamas – also known to the inhabitants of the Capital New Providence as the ‘Family Islands’ farming and fishing we the way of life. In many cases the farms were sometimes a days journey away and fishermen were gone for weeks. So this bread-cake was prepared for sustenance along the journey. It is believed that over the years its name evolved to what we now call ‘Johnny Cake’ or ‘Johnny Bread’. But its use and enjoyment remain the same.
Ingredients:
3 cups Flour
1 tbsp Baking powder
1 ½ tsp Salt
2 tbsp Sugar
½ cup Shortening
2/3 cup Water or milk
Preparation:
Combine dry ingredients then cut in shortening until mixture is sandy – using fingertips. Add water or milk gradually, just enough to make a soft dough. Knead dough until smooth. Let dough rest for about 10 minutes.
Cooking Option #1
Meanwhile heat oven to 350 degrees and grease baking pan. Place dough in baking pan spreading it to fit tight to the sides. Pierce top of dough with a fork in several locations. Bake for 25 minutes or until brown. Remove from oven and sprinkle top bread with water. Return to oven and allow to bake for 5 more minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool a few minutes.
Cooking Option #2
Shape dough into a pan sized circle and place into a greased hot frying pan. Flatten to fit pan. Fry at medium-high heat over stove, turning several times, until golden brown and crusty on both sides. Lower heat and continue cooking covered for 15 to 20 minutes.
Serving Suggestions:
The best way to eat Johnny cake is while it’s still warm – cut into 3-4” squares, slice and coat with some butter and eat just so or dunk in your stew, souse or boil. Oh what great pleasure!
