Bake (Caribbean Fried Bread)

Ingredients:

Bake (or Float) which this bread is usually referred to in the Caribbean, is generally consumed for breakfast

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 3/4 to 1 cup warm water

• oil for deep frying

1. Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.

2. Rub butter into flour mixture to form pea size pieces.

3. Slowly add enough water to bring dough together. Dough should be soft without being sticky.

4. On a floured surface, knead dough for a few minutes until elastic and smooth. Cover dough and let rest for 5 minutes.

5. While dough rests, heat oil on medium high heat in a deep pan, or in a fryer (375 ℉). Oil should reach about two inches in pan.

6. Divide dough into 10 - 12 equal pieces. Roll pieces into balls using some added flour so it doesn't stick to your palms. Set aside and cover with a tea towel.

7. On a lightly floured surface, using a rolling pin, roll one ball into 4" diameter about 1/4" thick.

8. Carefully place into hot oil. Using a slotted spoon, gently press dough when in comes to the surface (this helps it to puff). As bake fully rise, let it cook for one minute then carefully turn bake over. Cook for thirty seconds to one minute until golden brown.

9. Remove from oil and place on paper-towel lined plate. Continue frying remainder of dough. Serve hot with Stewed Salted Fish*.

Serves 6 to 8.

Notes & Tips:

• In the Caribbean, bakes are served for breakfast on Sundays with Stewed Salted Fish or scrambled eggs.

• When opened up, bakes have nice deep pockets for filling.

• If using a fryer, more than one bake can be fried at a time. Although be sure not to overcrowd. In my small fryer, I can fry two bakes at a time.

• For bakes that taste sweeter, add more sugar.

• *Stewed Salted Fish recipe is on this site.