Johnnie Cake

Introduction

History

Johnnie Cake has its roots in African and Indigenous Caribbean cuisine. It was originally made with cornmeal, water, and salt, and cooked over an open flame. Over time, variations of the recipe have emerged, with some adding flour, baking powder, and other ingredients for added flavor and texture.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to knead the dough well to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking, as some prefer a sweeter Johnnie Cake while others enjoy it more savory.

- Serve Johnnie Cake warm for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Johnnie Cake with butter, cheese, or your favorite spread. It can also be enjoyed with stews, soups, or grilled meats.

Cooking Techniques

Bake the Johnnie Cake in the oven for a crispy crust and fluffy interior.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use whole wheat flour instead of plain flour for a healthier version of Johnnie Cake.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Johnnie Cake on a wooden board with a dollop of butter and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a rustic presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Johnnie Cake with a hearty stew or soup for a satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Johnnie Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Johnnie Cake contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Johnnie Cake contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Johnnie Cake contains approximately 5g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Johnnie Cake contains approximately 3g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Johnnie Cake is a good source of iron and magnesium.

Alergens

Johnnie Cake contains gluten and dairy.

Summary

Johnnie Cake is a delicious and filling flatbread that is rich in carbohydrates and fats. It is a great source of energy and can be enjoyed as a snack or as part of a meal.

Summary

Johnnie Cake is a classic Caribbean flatbread that is easy to make and versatile in its serving options. Enjoy it as a snack or as part of a meal for a taste of the Caribbean at home.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Johnnie Cake. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her cozy little cottage by the sea. We had spent the morning picking fresh blueberries from her garden and decided to bake a delicious treat to enjoy with our afternoon tea.

Martha rummaged through her old recipe box and pulled out a yellowed piece of paper with faded handwriting. "Ah, here it is," she exclaimed with a smile, "the recipe for my grandmother's famous Johnnie Cake." She explained to me that Johnnie Cake was a traditional cornmeal flatbread that her family had been making for generations, passed down from mother to daughter.

As Martha began to gather the ingredients and mix them together, she shared the story of how she learned to make Johnnie Cake. She told me that her grandmother had taught her the recipe when she was just a young girl, showing her the precise measurements and techniques needed to create the perfect flatbread.

I watched in awe as Martha expertly mixed the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and milk together in a large mixing bowl. She then poured the batter into a hot cast-iron skillet and placed it in the oven to bake. The sweet aroma of the blueberries mingled with the earthy scent of the cornmeal, creating a mouthwatering fragrance that filled the entire cottage.

As we waited for the Johnnie Cake to bake, Martha regaled me with tales of her childhood spent in the kitchen with her grandmother. She spoke fondly of the hours they would spend together, kneading dough, rolling out pie crusts, and stirring pots of bubbling stew. She told me how her grandmother's love for cooking had inspired her to learn as much as she could about the culinary arts, exploring new recipes and techniques with passion and dedication.

Finally, the timer dinged, and Martha pulled the golden-brown Johnnie Cake out of the oven. The crust was crispy and caramelized, while the inside was soft and tender. We eagerly sliced the warm bread and savored each bite, the sweet blueberries bursting with flavor against the savory backdrop of cornmeal.

As we enjoyed our tea and Johnnie Cake, Martha shared with me the importance of preserving family recipes and traditions. She explained how each dish told a story, carrying with it the memories and experiences of those who had come before. She encouraged me to continue exploring new recipes and techniques, to create my own culinary legacy to pass down to future generations.

That day spent with Martha in her cottage by the sea was a turning point for me. I realized the power of food to connect us to our past, to evoke memories and emotions long forgotten. The recipe for Johnnie Cake became a cherished part of my own repertoire, a reminder of the bond shared between friends and family through the simple act of cooking and sharing a meal together.

And so, whenever I bake a batch of Johnnie Cake, I think of Martha and her grandmother, of the warm summer day we spent together by the sea. I am grateful for the lessons they taught me, for the love and tradition that lives on in each delicious bite of this humble flatbread. And I know that as long as I continue to cook and share my recipes with others, their legacy will live on, passed down from generation to generation.

Categories

| Bahamian Desserts | Bahamian Recipes | Milk And Cream Recipes | Wheat Flour Recipes |

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