Caribbean Christmas Ring

Caribbean Christmas Ring Recipe - A Festive Dessert with Banana and Orange Flavors

Region / culture: Caribbean | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15-17 minutes | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Caribbean Christmas Ring is a delicious and festive dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. This recipe combines the flavors of banana, walnuts, and orange to create a moist and flavorful cake that is sure to impress your guests.

History

The Caribbean Christmas Ring is a traditional holiday dessert that is popular in many Caribbean countries. It is often served during the Christmas season as a sweet treat to enjoy with family and friends. The combination of bananas, walnuts, and orange in this recipe reflects the tropical flavors of the Caribbean region.

Ingredients

3 tbsp of shortening
2.5 cups of finely chopped walnuts
1 cup of flour
0.5 cup of whole wheat flour
1 tbsp of baking powder
1 tbsp of baking soda
0.75 cup of softened butter
1.33 cups of sugar
3 eggs
1 cup of sour cream or plain nonfat yogurt
1 ripe banana, mashed
2 tbsp of orange liqueur (cointreau, triple sec)
1 cup of powdered sugar, sifted
2 tbsp of orange juice

How to prepare

Thoroughly grease a microwave-safe bundt pan with shortening, making sure to coat evenly with 0.5 cup of chopped walnuts.
Sift flours, baking powder, and baking soda.
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in eggs one at a time.
Stir sour cream or yogurt, banana, and liqueur into the egg mixture.
Fold the flour mixture into the banana-egg batter, then stir in the remaining walnuts.
Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and place it on top of a microwave-proof bowl in the microwave, ensuring that the cake is centered.
Cook on medium heat for 10 minutes, then switch to high heat for 5 to 7 minutes, turning the cake twice, until it is fully cooked.
Allow the cake to stand for 15 minutes.
Turn the cake out onto a serving plate and let it cool.
Mix the sifted powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.
Pour the glaze evenly over the cake and serve.

Variations

Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm and spicy flavor.
Substitute pecans or almonds for the walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
Drizzle the cake with melted chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly grease the bundt pan with shortening to prevent the cake from sticking.

- Be sure to sift the flours, baking powder, and baking soda to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Cooking the cake in the microwave may require some trial and error to get the timing just right. Keep an eye on the cake and adjust the cooking time as needed.

- Let the cake cool before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting and running off the cake.

Serving Suggestions

Caribbean Christmas Ring is best served warm with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cream the butter and sugar until fluffy to create a light and airy texture in the cake.

- Folding the flour mixture into the batter gently will help to keep the cake tender and moist.

- Cooking the cake in the microwave on medium heat first, then switching to high heat, will ensure that it cooks evenly and thoroughly.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour if desired.

- Greek yogurt can be substituted for regular yogurt in this recipe.

- Orange liqueur can be replaced with rum or brandy for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Caribbean Christmas Ring can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze can be added just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Caribbean Christmas Ring on a festive platter garnished with fresh orange slices and mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dessert pairs well with a glass of sweet dessert wine or a cup of hot cocoa.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Caribbean Christmas Ring can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Caribbean Christmas Ring contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Caribbean Christmas Ring contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Caribbean Christmas Ring contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Caribbean Christmas Ring contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Caribbean Christmas Ring is a good source of vitamin C from the orange juice in the glaze.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (walnuts) and dairy (butter, yogurt, eggs), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Caribbean Christmas Ring is a delicious dessert that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides some protein and vitamin C.

Summary

Caribbean Christmas Ring is a delicious and festive dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. With its tropical flavors and moist texture, this cake is sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Caribbean Christmas Ring. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was originally from Trinidad and she had a way of infusing her dishes with the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the enticing aroma of spices and herbs wafting through the air.

Maria was busy kneading dough on the kitchen counter, her hands moving with practiced precision. I watched in awe as she effortlessly shaped the dough into a perfect ring. I couldn't help but ask her what she was making and she replied with a smile, "Caribbean Christmas Ring."

I was intrigued. I had never heard of this dish before and I was eager to learn more. Maria explained that it was a traditional Christmas dessert in Trinidad, made with a delicate pastry filled with sweet fruit, nuts, and spices. She had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations.

As Maria worked, she shared stories of her childhood in Trinidad, of bustling markets filled with exotic fruits and spices, of joyful Christmas celebrations with family and friends. Her eyes sparkled with nostalgia as she spoke, and I could sense the deep love and tradition that went into every bite of this special dessert.

I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make Caribbean Christmas Ring. Maria graciously agreed to teach me, and we spent the afternoon baking together, our hands covered in flour and laughter filling the room. She showed me how to prepare the filling, a fragrant mixture of dried fruits, nuts, cinnamon, and rum-soaked raisins.

As we worked, Maria shared her tips and tricks, her years of experience shining through in every step. She taught me how to roll out the dough just right, how to seal the edges with a gentle touch, how to brush the top with egg wash for a golden finish. I soaked up every word, every gesture, determined to recreate this masterpiece in my own kitchen.

Finally, after hours of patient waiting and eager anticipation, the Caribbean Christmas Ring was ready. The sweet aroma filled the air, beckoning us to take a bite. I watched as Maria carefully sliced into the pastry, revealing the colorful filling inside. The fruits glistened like jewels, the nuts added a satisfying crunch, and the spices danced on my tongue.

I took a bite and closed my eyes, savoring the flavors that transported me to a tropical paradise. The sweetness of the fruits, the richness of the nuts, the warmth of the spices - it was a perfect harmony of tastes and textures. I couldn't help but smile, knowing that I had unlocked the secrets of this special recipe.

From that day on, Caribbean Christmas Ring became a beloved tradition in my own family. Every year, as the holiday season approached, I would gather my loved ones around the table and present them with this delicious dessert, sharing the stories and memories that had been passed down to me.

And as I watched their faces light up with joy and delight, I knew that I had truly captured the magic of the Caribbean Christmas Ring - a recipe that not only filled our bellies but also warmed our hearts with love and tradition.