Pair your turkey souse with a delectable yet simple Johnny cake. In the 18th century, fishermen and sailors used to make this bread on the decks of their vessels by building a fire in a box that was filled with sand. It was originally called journey cake because it was so quick to make and sustainable while travelling. Here is how you can make your very own!
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups (500 mL) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp (30mL) baking powder
- 1 cup (250 mL) granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) shredded coconut (optional)
- 2 tbsp (30 mL) canola or vegetable oil
- 1 cup (250 mL) whole milk
METHOD
- Preheat oven to 350˚F (180˚C). Grease an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking dish or loaf pan with butter.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar and salt and mix together.
- Add butter and, using your hand, combine with flour by breaking up into smaller pieces. Add coconut if using, oil and mix.
- Slowly pour in milk while mixing with your other hand to form dough into a ball (the dough should be soft and pliable). Dust a clean surface with flour and knead dough a few times.
- Place dough in the baking dish, spread out and level with your hand. Pour 1 tbsp milk over top of dough and bake for about 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden or a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Serve as a complement to soups and stews, or as a snack serve warm with butter, guava or mango jam.