Johnny Cakes

Johnny Cakes

Belizean food is easy to prepare, physically filling and delightfully delicious.  How about a dish of Johnny Cakes - a cross in the middle of what the American people traditionally or culturally know as biscuits and/or pancakes and traditionally a favored  food item breakfast dish in Belize.    However, Johnny Cakes are also, for many people, a standard, even a beloved bread that is consumed while lunch and supper meals.  They are exquisite with refried beans, cheese that is melted, crumbled or sliced.   A cultural Belizean food indeed; seldom is a meal eaten in a Belizean home without Johnny Cakes!

Johnny Cakes

Banana Cake

2 lbs. Flour 1/4 lb. Shortening 4 tsp. Baking powder 2 tsp. Salt Cream from 1 coconut, or 1 tin Coconut Cream (8 oz.)

Method: Place flour in mixing bowl and add all dry ingredients. Work in shortening with fingers. Gradually add coconut cream and mix until dough handle unquestionably without being too sticky, or dry. If too sticky, add a bit more flour. Knead until smooth. Cut into desired size (golf ball size works well) and shape into a ball. Let rest about 10 minutes, then flatten to about 1/2" thickness onto baking sheet. Prick top with fork four or five times.

Bake in preheated oven at 450 degrees F. Until golden brown, or about 15 minutes. Once cooked split open and butter while hot.

Johnny Cakes are also good for when one has the munchies, pop one in the microwave or eat it cold, like bread and butter spread a bit of jam, jelly or your beloved fruit maintain on top. How delicious!

Johnny Cakes