Island Style Johnny Cakes

Baked or Fried this is a Carribean style donut, but served as breakfast with lunch or dinners on the Island!

Fried Johnny Cakes Recipe from St. Maarten

• 3 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 2/3 cup water or milk, or enough to make dough
• Mix dry ingredients together. Cut in shortening, or rub in with fingers. Add water or milk slowly, just enough to make soft dough. Knead a few times until dough is smooth and holds together. Let rest for 10-20 minutes. Shape into round pieces and flatten on a board with a little flour,( They also put a hole in the middle, that's how they looked when we went there I didn't do that here) then prick with fork. The oil must be hot before frying or use a fry daddy. Fry at medium-high heat, turning several times, until brown and crusty on both sides. Frying time usually takes around 15-20 minutes. You will need to drain them on paper towels, then cover them with a towels to rest around 10 minutes.
• These are not too sweet, but intrigued me when we went on our cruise excursion. This lady was nice enough to tell me how to make them. Similar to a donut, just not sweet. Goes really good with any meal. These are found all over the Islands. Johnny Cakes is not unique to Jamaica. Versions can also be found in the Eastern Caribbean islands as well as places like Turks and Caicos, Cayman Islands and St. Croix.
• We took quite a few excursions to see the different Islands, this was St. John's
• Johnny Cake Recipe from Bahama's
• Makes 1 8-inch cake
• Ingredients
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ cup cornmeal
• ¼ cup sugar
• 3 teaspoons oil
• About 1 cup water or milk

Instructions

Whisk dry ingredients together, and then add oil and enough water or milk to make very thick dough and knead (about 1 cup). Place in a greased 8 inch baking dish or an 8 inch greased cast iron pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes. Bake in a 375 degree preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve in wedges or slices with butter or honey.

Of course for all my Italian readers, you know we are accustomed to (click on Fried Dough )aka Pizza Fritta, this was quite a change, its always nice to see and experience different cuisine...