Trinidad Sweet Bread
Trinidad Sweet Bread Recipe - Delicious Caribbean Dessert
Introduction
Trinidad Sweet Bread is a traditional Caribbean dessert that is loved for its sweet and fruity flavors. This bread is perfect for serving at special occasions or as a delicious treat any time of the year.
History
Trinidad Sweet Bread has its roots in Trinidad and Tobago, where it is a popular dessert enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. This recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to make it their own.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of sugar
- 3 tsp of baking powder
- 0.75 cup of water or milk
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup of mixed peel
- 1 cup of raisins
- 1 egg
- 3 cups of flour
- 0.5 cup of margarine
- 1 grated coconut
- 1 tsp of angostura bitters
- 0.5 cup of maraschino cherries
- 0.5 cup of currants
How to prepare
- In a bowl, mix grated coconut with sugar and a small amount of water.
- Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
- Add the essence, bitters, and margarine.
- Sift the dry ingredients together and add them to the coconut and egg mixture.
- Gradually add the remaining water to make a soft dough, avoiding kneading.
- Stir in the fruits and mixed peel.
- Pour the mixture into a prepared baking pan and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 50-60 minutes. Then, remove from the oven.
- In a separate bowl, mix a small amount of sugar and water to make a syrup. Baste this syrup on the bread.
- Return the bread to the hot oven for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Variations
- Add nuts such as almonds or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Substitute the mixed peel with dried apricots or pineapple for a different flavor profile.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to mix the grated coconut with sugar and water thoroughly to ensure a sweet and moist bread.
- Avoid over-kneading the dough to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Basting the bread with a sugar syrup adds an extra layer of sweetness and helps to keep the bread moist.
Serving Suggestions
Trinidad Sweet Bread is best served warm with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to sift the dry ingredients to ensure a light and fluffy bread.
- Avoid overmixing the dough to keep the bread tender.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute butter for margarine in this recipe for a richer flavor.
- If you don't have mixed peel, you can use orange zest as a substitute.
Make Ahead Tips
Trinidad Sweet Bread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Trinidad Sweet Bread on a decorative platter with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Trinidad Sweet Bread pairs well with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store Trinidad Sweet Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Trinidad Sweet Bread contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Trinidad Sweet Bread contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Trinidad Sweet Bread contains approximately 8 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Trinidad Sweet Bread contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Trinidad Sweet Bread is a good source of Vitamin C from the mixed peel and cherries, as well as iron from the raisins and currants.
Alergens
Trinidad Sweet Bread contains gluten from the flour and may contain nuts from the mixed peel and cherries.
Summary
Trinidad Sweet Bread is a delicious dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats, making it a sweet treat to enjoy in moderation.
Summary
Trinidad Sweet Bread is a delicious and traditional Caribbean dessert that is perfect for serving at special occasions or as a sweet treat any time of the year. With its sweet and fruity flavors, this bread is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
How did I get this recipe?
I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Trinidad Sweet Bread. It was many years ago, when I was a young girl visiting my aunt in Port of Spain. My aunt was known for her delicious baked goods, and she had graciously allowed me to spend the day with her in the kitchen, learning the secrets of her culinary prowess.
As we sifted flour and mixed ingredients, my aunt regaled me with stories of how she had learned to bake from her own mother, who had learned from her mother before her. The recipe for Trinidad Sweet Bread, she told me, had been passed down through the generations in our family, each woman adding her own twist to make it truly special.
I watched in awe as my aunt expertly kneaded the dough, her hands moving with precision and grace. She explained each step of the process to me, from proofing the yeast to shaping the loaves, and I listened intently, committing every detail to memory.
As the sweet aroma of baking bread filled the kitchen, my aunt pulled the loaves from the oven, golden and glistening with a sugary glaze. She cut a slice for me to taste, and as I bit into the soft, fluffy bread, I knew that this recipe was something truly special.
When I returned home from my visit, I immediately set out to recreate my aunt's Trinidad Sweet Bread. I gathered the ingredients and followed the recipe as closely as I could, remembering the tips and tricks my aunt had shared with me. As the dough rose and baked in the oven, the familiar scent filled my own kitchen, transporting me back to that day in Port of Spain.
When the loaves emerged from the oven, I was overjoyed to see that they looked just like my aunt's. I cut a slice and took a bite, savoring the sweet, buttery flavor that I had come to love so much. It was a success, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen for years to come.
Over the years, I have continued to make Trinidad Sweet Bread for my family and friends, sharing the recipe with anyone who asks. I have added my own touches along the way, experimenting with different flavors and fillings to create new variations of this classic treat.
Each time I bake Trinidad Sweet Bread, I am reminded of that day in my aunt's kitchen, watching her work her magic with flour and yeast. I am grateful for the knowledge she passed down to me, and I am proud to carry on the tradition of making this delicious bread for generations to come.
In the end, it is not just the recipe itself that makes Trinidad Sweet Bread so special, but the memories and stories that are woven into every loaf. This recipe is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions – it is a piece of my family's history, a reminder of the love and care that has been passed down through the generations. And for that, I am truly grateful.
Categories
| Angostura Bitters Recipes | Coconut Recipes | Currant Recipes | Dessert Loaf Recipes | Maraschino Cherry Recipes | Raisin Recipes | Trinidadian Recipes | Trinidadian Snacks |