Breakfast Johnny Cakes/Bread
Recipes
https://recipemarketing.blogspot.com/2015/01/homemade-johnny-bread.html
https://recipemarketing.blogspot.com/2015/07/whole-wheat-johnny-bread.html
The History of Johnny Bread and Its Sweet Cousins: Cakes
Johnny Bread, also known as "Journey Cake" or "Jonnycake," has a rich history deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of Native American and early colonial settlers. This simple yet hearty flatbread has evolved over time, remaining a staple in many cultures, particularly in the Caribbean, the United States, and even parts of Canada.
The Origins of Johnny Bread
Johnny Bread is believed to have originated with the Indigenous peoples of North America, who made simple corn-based flatbreads long before European settlers arrived. When European colonists learned to cultivate and grind maize (corn), they adapted these traditional recipes, resulting in what we now know as Johnny Bread.
The name "Johnny Bread" has several possible origins:
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Some say it comes from "Journey Cake," as the bread was easy to carry on long trips.
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Others believe it may have been influenced by the name "Shawnee Cake," named after the Shawnee Native American tribe.
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Some historical accounts suggest it was named after "Janiken," a term used in the early English settlements.
Johnny Bread in Different Cultures
Johnny Bread has many variations across regions:
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In the United States, particularly in New England and the Southern states, it's known as Jonnycake and is often made with cornmeal, water, and salt, sometimes sweetened or fried.
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In the Caribbean, Johnny Bread is more like a soft, slightly sweet biscuit or fried bread, commonly eaten for breakfast with butter, jam, or cheese. It’s a beloved dish in the Bahamas, Barbados, and other island nations.
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In Belize, it's a dense, slightly sweet bread often baked or fried and served alongside stews or beans.
The Sweet Evolution: Cakes
While Johnny Bread is a simple and rustic staple, cakes have a more luxurious and celebratory history. Cakes date back to ancient Egypt, where honey-sweetened bread was made for special occasions. The modern cake, made with refined flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, evolved through the influence of European bakers in the 17th and 18th centuries.
With the Industrial Revolution and the invention of baking powder in the 19th century, cakes became fluffier and more widely accessible. Today, cakes come in countless varieties, from simple sponge cakes to elaborate wedding and birthday cakes.
Final Thoughts
Both Johnny Bread and cakes have stood the test of time, evolving to fit the needs and tastes of different cultures. Whether you prefer the hearty simplicity of Johnny Bread or the indulgent sweetness of cake, both hold an important place in culinary history.
Would you like a traditional Johnny Bread recipe to try at home?
Traditional Johnny Bread Recipe
This classic Caribbean-style Johnny Bread is slightly sweet, soft, and perfect for breakfast or as a side dish. You can bake or fry it depending on your preference.
Ingredients:
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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2 tbsp sugar (optional, for a slightly sweet taste)
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2 tbsp butter or margarine (softened)
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¾ cup milk or water (adjust as needed)
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Oil (for frying, if frying version)
Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the Butter
Rub the butter into the flour mixture with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the Liquid
Gradually add the milk or water while mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for a few minutes until smooth.
4. Let the Dough Rest
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. This helps with texture.
5. Shape the Dough
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For baking, shape the dough into a round or divide it into smaller portions. Flatten slightly and place on a greased baking sheet.
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For frying, divide the dough into smaller balls and flatten them into discs.
6. Cooking Options
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To Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
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To Fry: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry each piece for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Enjoy warm with butter, jam, cheese, or alongside a savory dish like stewed chicken or beans.
Would you like variations or serving suggestions? 😊https://chatgpt.com/c/67e12775-e18c-800f-8a59-6c6ef5879579
Johnnycake, also known as journey cake, johnny bread, hoecake, shawnee cake or spider cornbread, is a cornmeal flatbread, a type of batter bread. An early American staple food, it is prepared on the Atlantic coast from Newfoundland to Jamaica. The food originates from the indigenous people of North America.
Wikipedia
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