Bajan Sweet Bread

Introduction

History

The history of Bajan Sweet Bread dates back to the colonial era when ingredients like coconut, sugar, and spices were readily available on the island due to its thriving sugar industry. Over the years, it has evolved from a simple coconut cake to the rich, flavorful bread that is known today. Traditionally, it was made to mark the end of the sugar cane harvest, but now it is enjoyed year-round by locals and tourists alike.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Bajan Sweet Bread turns out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Use freshly grated coconut for the best flavor and texture.

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.

- Do not overmix the dough to keep the bread tender.

- Check the bread for doneness by inserting a skewer into the center; it should come out clean.

- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for easier removal.

Serving Suggestions

Bajan Sweet Bread can be served as a dessert or a snack. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a truly Bajan experience, enjoy it with a slice of cheese or a dollop of butter.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in making Bajan Sweet Bread is the gentle folding of the dry and wet ingredients to ensure the bread remains tender and moist.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a healthier version, you can substitute whole wheat flour for self-raising flour and use coconut oil instead of margarine. To make it dairy-free, replace evaporated milk with coconut milk.

Make Ahead Tips

Bajan Sweet Bread can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve slices of Bajan Sweet Bread on a platter garnished with coconut flakes and powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This sweet bread pairs beautifully with savory items like cheese or ham, creating a delightful contrast of flavors. It also goes well with tropical fruits for a refreshing dessert option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Bajan Sweet Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap in aluminum foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Bajan Sweet Bread contains approximately 400 calories. This makes it a high-energy food, ideal for consumption in moderation.

Carbohydrates

A single serving of Bajan Sweet Bread contains approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates. The primary source of these carbohydrates is flour and sugar, providing energy for the body.

Fats

This recipe contains about 15 grams of fat per serving, mainly from the margarine and coconut. These fats contribute to the bread's moist texture and rich flavor.

Proteins

Each serving of Bajan Sweet Bread offers around 8 grams of protein, coming from the evaporated milk, egg, and to a lesser extent, the flour. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

Bajan Sweet Bread is a source of several vitamins and minerals, including calcium and iron from the evaporated milk and flour, and vitamin C and potassium from the coconut.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens such as gluten (from flour), eggs, and dairy (from evaporated milk). Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should exercise caution.

Summary

Overall, Bajan Sweet Bread is a delicious, energy-rich treat. While it offers some nutritional benefits, it is best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet due to its high sugar and fat content.

Summary

Bajan Sweet Bread is a rich, flavorful treat that embodies the spirit of Barbados. With its moist texture and sweet coconut flavor, it's a beloved recipe that has been passed down through generations. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this bread is sure to satisfy.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I discovered this recipe is a cherished memory that I hold dear to my heart. It all began many years ago when I was a young girl living in Barbados. My grandmother, who was known for her skills in the kitchen, would often prepare a delectable Bajan Sweet Bread for special occasions. It was always a crowd pleaser, with its sweet aroma filling the air and its moist, tender crumb melting in your mouth.

I remember watching in awe as my grandmother effortlessly mixed the ingredients together, her hands moving with a grace and precision that only comes with years of practice. She would always say that the key to making a great Bajan Sweet Bread was to use the freshest ingredients possible and to never rush the process. "Cooking is an art, my dear," she would tell me, "and art takes time and patience."

I would often help my grandmother in the kitchen, eager to learn the secrets of her culinary prowess. As we mixed and kneaded the dough together, she would regale me with stories of her own childhood and how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother. The tradition of making Bajan Sweet Bread had been passed down through generations in our family, each woman adding her own unique touch to the recipe.

One day, as we were preparing the sweet bread for a family gathering, my grandmother told me that it was time for me to learn the recipe for myself. She handed me a worn, stained piece of paper that had been passed down through the generations, the words faded but still legible. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I felt a deep sense of pride knowing that I was being entrusted with this family heirloom.

Over the following weeks, I practiced making Bajan Sweet Bread on my own, following the recipe to the letter and honing my skills in the kitchen. I soon discovered that making the bread was more than just a culinary task – it was a labor of love, a way to connect with my roots and honor the traditions of my family.

I experimented with different variations of the recipe, adding my own twist here and there to make it truly my own. Sometimes I would add a hint of nutmeg or a sprinkle of cinnamon, other times I would fold in dried fruits or nuts for a bit of texture. Each time I made the sweet bread, I felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that I was carrying on a legacy that had been passed down through generations.

As the years passed and I grew older, I continued to make Bajan Sweet Bread for my own family and friends, sharing the recipe and the stories behind it with anyone who would listen. It became a staple at holiday gatherings and special occasions, a symbol of love and tradition that brought us all together.

Now, as I look back on those days spent in my grandmother's kitchen, I realize that the recipe for Bajan Sweet Bread is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions – it is a connection to my past, a reminder of where I come from and the strong women who came before me. And as I pass the recipe down to the next generation, I know that it will continue to be cherished and loved for years to come.

Categories

| Almond Recipes | Barbadian Appetizers | Barbadian Recipes | Coconut Recipes | Evaporated Milk Recipes | Raisin Recipes |

Recipes with the same ingredients