Caribbean Kitchen with Julies: The Incredible Johnny Cakes

Johnny Cakes are a staple throughout the Caribbean.  You can eat them with saltfish, barbecue, and almost anything you put on a Caribbean plate.  They’re crispy, light, and there’s and if you add the optional sugar, a  sweetness that makes you want more and more. Oh, they make them in other regions of the world, some with cornmeal, but this recipe is exclusively Caribbean. Enjoy!!

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons  baking powder
• 2-4 tablespoons sugar (optional)
•  2 teaspoons salt
• 2 ¹/₂ tablespoons room temperature butter
• 1 cup water
• 1 ¹/₂ cups vegetable oil for frying

PREPARATION

1. Mix dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl and work in the butter with your fingers.
2. Add 1 cup of water to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
3. Sprinkle some extra flour onto a flat surface and knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Feel free to sprinkle additional flour on the surface as needed.
4. Allow the dough to sit in a clean bowl covered with a towel for at least 30 minutes.
5. After the dough has rested, heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
6. Create small balls of dough and roll out the dough into circles on a lightly floured surface with a rolling pin or the palm of your hand. Be sure to not make them too thin.
7. Pierce each piece with a fork or sharp knife several times and then drop in hot oil.
8. Fry on each side until golden brown.
9. Allow to cool and drain on a paper towel .

Julies Gibs