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

1. 3 cups all-purpose flour

2. 2 teaspoons  baking powder

3. 2-4 tablespoons sugar (optional)

4.  2 teaspoons salt

5. 2 1/2 tablespoons room temperature butter

6. 1 cup water

7. 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

Julies has a Wonderful Husband,  37 years together… 29 married.. 4 children, 4 grandchildren. (Collin, Lincoln, Autumn, and Genaai Gibs.  )She is a people person and works at Divi Little Bay Beach and Racquet Club, St. Maarten, NA.” I Love my family and continue to trust in God.”