I try to be a culturally sensitive tourist when I travel around. And one of my main strategies for doing that is sampling – and re-sampling – local cuisine. I’m sure it comes as no surprise that I especially enjoy trying out local desserts.
It’s not sufficient to just taste delicious goods while in an exotic location, I also want to be able to make the dessert when I get home! So I also always look for a cookbook.
Last April we spent two weeks in Belize. We traveled by public bus. On a national holiday. Which basically meant we spent most of the day waiting at the bus depot in the capital city. Where the main delight was powder buns. Which are delicious. So of course I needed to get the recipe.
After much searching, I found “Silly Bug and Bittle Recipes” published by the Crooked Tree Village Creative Woman’s Group. And it included a recipe (well, two really!) for powder buns.
This recipe makes a lot of powder buns. But they’re so good, it’s totally worth it.
Lollette’s Powder Buns
From Silly Bug and Bittle Recipes
Ingredients:
6 cups flour
6 tsp baking powder
3 cups sugar
pinch of salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 fresh grated nutmeg (I used 1 tsp grated nutmeg)
2 tbsp shortening
2 tbsp butter
1 large tin (14 oz) evaporated milk
3 tsp vanilla
1 cup grated coconut (they say you can use raisins, but I think the coconut makes these the fantastic buns they are)
Directions:
1. In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, mixing well.
2. Add shortening and butter. Rub with fingers until well mixed.
3. Add milk and vanilla. Mix with wooden spoon.
4. Add raisins/coconut. Mix well.
5. Drop by spoonfuls on greased baking pan.
6. Bake in a hot oven (375F) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Bake longer for crispy buns.
Submitted by Lollette Flowers