This traditional Bajan sweet bread is delightful served with hot tea; it can be buttered if preferred.
You will need the following ingredients:
» 2 1/2 cups grated coconut
» 1/2 cup melted butter
» 4 cups flour
» 1 tablespoon shortening
» 1 tablespoon baking powder
» 1 teaspoon salt
» 3/4 cup sugar
» 1 cup raisins
» 1 egg, beaten
» 1 1/4 cups evaporated milk
» 1 teaspoon almond essence
In large mixing bowl add all of the flour, baking powder, and salt. Melt the butter in a saucepan. In another bowl mix the coconut, the majority of the sugar – leave some back for covering the loaves later, raisins, egg, milk, almond essence, vanilla essence and melted butter. Mix well until you have a creamy paste. Add this to the bowl with the flour, baking powder and salt. Mix until you form stiff dough.
Now divide the mixture between the baking tins. Now boil the water. Mix 2 tablespoons of sugar, with some hot water and brush the top of each loaf.
Bake in the centre of the oven for 1 hour. Leave to cool in tins before serving. When cooled slice and serve with a fresh pot of tea.
Author: Brett Callaghan