THE BAHAMAS’ 42nd Independence Countdown: Bahamian Conch Fritters (Baked Version)

Baked Conchy-Conch Fritters

Well, it’s been a crazy day, and I’m a tad bit late for my recipe countdown to The Bahamas’ 42nd Independence Day. What can I say….I had a million and one things to do today, and I’m doing my best to keep up. (It’s kinda hard doing this blogging thing, especially since I’m still a newbie!) I’m just going to have to take things a bit slow I guess, until I get my bearings. Not only was I busy trying to prepare my son, Quest’s birthday cake for today, but I also wanted to experiment with our traditional “Bahamian Conch Fritter” recipe by creating a healthier way to make it and showcase it here for this Bahamas Independence day recipe countdown. And boy oh boy….were the results Ah-mazing! 🙂

Boil the tenderized conch and save some of the water.

Boil the tenderized conch and save some of the water.

You see, typically, conch fritters (like most fritters) are fried or deep fried in oil and tend to absorb a lot of the fat. Although they are extremely delicious when fried, they can get a bit too greasy. For me and my family, that’s a big ‘No-No’. Plus with so many people becoming more and more health conscious, I thought it would be so much better to bake the fritters instead and present it as a healthier option. And I thought of the perfect way to do it……Mini cupcake pans!

Diced conch and herbs.

Diced conch and herbs.

To be honest, my family does not really eat conch much anymore (as it is not kosher) but this recipe can definitely be used to make baked vegetable fritters by omitting the conch and water and replacing it with kernel corn, carrot  (or other) and some buttermilk. I’m sure you can also substitute the conch with fish or other seafood if that’s your thang! 😉

Mix the herbs then add the flour, beaten egg and hot pepper.

Mix the herbs then add the flour, beaten egg and hot pepper.

Conch Fritter Batter: Ready to bake in mini cupcake pan.

Conch Fritter Batter: Ready to bake in mini cupcake pan.

I believe the fritters came out better than I expected for a first attempt…. and for trying to keep to the traditional way of making the batter. I had to tweak the classic recipe a bit, but all in all, I was quite impressed. Feel free to play around with it…..no recipe is written in stone. (At least in my book) Just don’t add the kitchen sink! Lol…

Delicious Baked Conchy-Conch Fritters

Delicious Baked Conchy-Conch Fritters

So alright guys, this is my Recipe #2 for my Bahamas Independence Countdown. I hope you all give it a try. This just might convince you to start baking all of your fritters from here on out… well maybe. 🙂 Cheers!

Bettina

Baked Conchy-Conch Fritters

  • Servings: Makes about 2 Dozen
  • Difficulty: easy
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Author: Bettina Bullard Baked Conchy-Conch Fritters Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs. Fresh conch, tenderized
  • 1 Cup conch water or a little over (reserved after boiling conch)
  • 2 Tbsp. red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. yellow bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
  • 6 Sprigs of thyme (yep, the more the merrier)
  • 1 Tbsp + 1 Tsp. tomato paste
  • 1 Tbsp. hot sauce
  • 1 Tsp. sugar (optional)
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 Tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 Tsp. Goat pepper (or other), finely chopped
  • 2-3 Tbsp. Olive oil (or other vegetable oil)
  • 1 Egg, beaten
  • 1 3/4 Cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 Tbsp. baking powder

Directions:

  1. Place the tenderized conch in a medium pot with 3 1/2 cups of water and boil for 30 minutes.
  2. While the conch is boiling, lightly grease a mini cupcake pan or the bottom of a cake pop pan and set aside.
  3. With a slotted spoon, remove the conch and reserve a little over a cup of the conch water and set aside to cool.
  4. Once the conch is cooled, chop into medium pieces, not too big and not too fine.
  5. Place the chopped conch in a mixing bowl and add the conch water.
  6. Next, add the chopped onion and bell peppers, thyme and seasonings and adjust to your taste.
  7. Mix in the tomato paste, hot sauce and sugar if using. Once you’re satisfied with the flavor, add in the oil and beaten egg.
  8. Lastly, fold in the flour and baking powder until a thick and not too runny batter is formed.
  9. Refrigerate the batter for a minimum of 2 hours to marinate and for the flavor to intensify.
  10. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
  11. Spoon the batter into the wells of the mini cupcake pan, filling to the top.
  12. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until fritters are golden brown and a toothpick come out clean from the middle.
  13. Carefully remove the fritters (they should pop out easily) and plate them for serving, with dipping sauce. (Recipe follows)

Tangy Sweet Dipping Sauce – You will need:

  • 1/4 cup Plain, unsweetened yogurt (or low-fat mayo)
  • 1 Tbsp. Tomato paste
  • 1 Tbsp. Brown sugar
  • 2 Tsp. hot sauce
  • 1 Tsp. Honey Mustard
  • A drizzle of Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tsp. Apple cider vinegar or lime juice
  • A dash of salt and pepper

Thoroughly mix all ingredients in a bowl and serve along with your baked conch fritters.

THE BAHAMAS’ 42nd Independence Countdown : Bahamian FIRE ENGINE (Steamed Corned Beef)

Bahamian Fire Engine

3 DAYS TO GO……….

THE BAHAMAS 42nd Anniversay Countdown

So it has begun! The COUNTDOWN to The Bahamas’ 42nd Independence Day, and I thought it was only fitting to share a few recipes of our most traditional meals. So for the next few days, I will be showcasing some of my family’s favorite Bahamian meals.

Most Bahamian cuisine, although typically starchy and often high in salt and fat, have so much heartiness and flavor that cannot be denied. Native Bahamians as well as the many visitors we have from all over the world have a love affair with our food that is undeniable and indescribable.

Bahamian Fire Engine

Bahamian Fire Engine

A popular favorite among most Bahamians is a dish interestingly called “Fire Engine”. No one is exactly certain why it was given that name, but many believe it is because of the hot and fiery native ‘goat pepper’ (another Bahamian coined name that has vague origins) that was used to spice up the dish, or its bright, reddish color from the tomato paste, bringing to mind the color of a fire truck. Whichever it was, Fire Engine still remains the “go-to meal” for Breakfast, lunch or dinner, whenever we need a quick fix, something affordable to eat when you’ve down on your luck or just craving that satisfying Bahamian “bellyfull”.  (Don’t ask! 😉 )

Bahamian FIRE ENGINE: Delicious & Satisfying!

Bahamian FIRE ENGINE: Delicious & Satisfying!

Fire Engine (also commonly called Steamed Corned Beef) is prepared in a variety of ways, but the basic ingredients are the canned corned beef and tomato paste, herbs like onions, bell pepper, celery and thyme. The variations normally include additions of other ingredients to the dish to give it more body and to make it heartier, such as loose corn or potatoes or carrots. Others add alternative condiments or spices for flavor, like mustard, ketchup, hot sauce, bay leaf and garlic salt.

Bahamian Fire Engine made with diced potatoes.

Bahamian Fire Engine made with diced potatoes.

Bahamian Fire Engine

The recipe I’m sharing is the way I’ve been making it for years. It is made without the addition of oil or butter which most other recipes ask for because I believe the corned beef contains enough fat already. I’ve added cubed potatoes, a touch of sugar (better than using ketchup) and lots of thyme and pepper! The outcome is a healthier version of “Fire Engine”, really spicy (If you can handle it) and most definitely full of flavor! So give it a try and experience some down-home Bahamian cuisine. 😉

Fire Engine (Steamed Corned Beef)

  • Servings: 6-8
  • Difficulty: easy
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Author: Bettina Bullard

Bahamian FIRE Engine (Steamed Corned Beef)

Ingredients:

  • 2  12oz. Tins corned beef
  • 1 1/2 Cups diced potato
  • 1 Med. onion, chopped
  • 1 Small green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 Celery stalk, diced
  • 2-3 Tbsp. Tomato paste
  • 1 Tbsp. Sugar
  • 4-5 sprigs thyme
  • 1 Tsp. Garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 Cups water
  • 1 Tbsp. Hot sauce or Tobasco (optional)
  • 2 Tsp. Minced goat pepper or  red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Heat skillet or medium pan on medium-low and add the diced onion, potatoes, celery and bell pepper with 2 tablespoons of water.
  2. Stir constantly for about 3-5 minutes until herbs and potatoes are translucent but not too browned.
  3. Add the thyme leaves (not the stems) and mix through.
  4. Next, add the tomato paste, the rest of the water and other seasonings and spices and increase the heat to medium-high.
  5. Using a large fork or spoon, add in the corned beef and carefully mash it into the mixture, making sure not to mash the potatoes.
  6. Taste to see if seasonings need to be adjusted to your taste.
  7. Allow to come to a simmer and then reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid.
  8. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are properly cooked.
  9. Serve with hot grits or rice for a delicious and satisfying breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Happy 4th of July! (RED, WHITE & BLUE SPARKLE COOKIES

Red, White & Blue Sparkle Cookies Happy 4th of July to all of my American followers in blogosphere, family and dear friends! I hope you all are enjoying a fabulous independence holiday! I’m a bit late with this post, but then I didn’t plan on writing anything today. What inspired me were all the amazing 4th of July themed foods and crafts I saw on Pinterest yesterday. Just Ah-mazing!!  Plus, I thought it was only fitting I make and share something to thank all of you from the Good ole U S of A for welcoming such a newbie like me to the wonderful world of blogging!  Happy-4th-of-july So I decided to make some cookies (because the kids were begging me to)  and I was intrigued by the ones that were made by Trish from the Blog Mom on Time Out and luckily I had all of the ‘color’ ingredients on hand because of all my cupcake decorating supplies. Although I’m not a big fan of sugar (especially artificially colored) I needed an excuse to use up some of what I had…..and it was just for this special occasion. Also, it was perfect to have while we watch the fireworks tonight from our house, as we live near a resort that does them every year for their American guests. I made a few adjustments to the recipe to add more flavor and to make a softer and chewier texture.



Cream butter, cream cheese and  powdered sugar.         then add egg and extracts.

Cream butter, cream cheese and powdered sugar. Then add the egg and extracts.

Savanah and Rayne were invited over to their friends house for a Kids pool party, so I enlisted the help of my son Quest, who to my disappointment, did not want to have his picture taken. (So I began to think up a way to change his mind while we worked)

Mixing in the flour and forming the dough.

Mixing in the flour and forming the dough.

I begged and pleaded, I made sad faces and sniffing noises, all while we rolled, cut and decorated the cookies before baking. He shook his head and smiled.

Decorating the cookie dough with colored sugar.

Decorating the cookie dough with colored sugar.

Cutting the cookie dough log.

Cutting the cookie dough log.

Eureka! (I just always wanted to say that..lol) I figured out what I would do to persuade my first-born, teenage son to take just one photo for me and show all of you just how handsome he is! Alright, alright, what can I say, he’s a Mama’s boy and I have him all figured out. You see his birthday is next week Thursdsy (Just 5 days away) so…..I kinda told him that I would really try to get him that new video game he’s been asking for……If he took just one pic… or perhaps two. 😉 Red, White & Blue Sparkle Cookies Needless to say, he suddenly realized he was not so camera shy after all.  (isn’t that surprising?)  I only did get one picture, but boy did he do a good job helping me out with these cookies! I’m sure his sisters will be extremely jealous when they get home. But that should not last once they chow down on a few of these cookies and we all finally get to watch the fireworks show!

Quest enjoying a cookie.

Quest enjoying a cookie.

So even if it’s too late to whip up these cookies, just file it away until next year or just make them anytime you’re feeling patriotic!  You will not be disappointed! Quest gives his promise! 🙂

Red White & Blue Sparkle Cookies

  • Servings: about 3 dozen
  • Difficulty: easy
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Red, White & Blue Sparkle Cookies

Author: Bettina Bullard Adapted from: Mom on TimeOut

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 Cup (6 oz) butter, softened
  • 1/4 Cup (2 oz) cream cheese
  • 1 Cup powdered sugar
  • 1 Large egg
  • 1 Tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/2 Tsp. almond extract
  • 1/2 Tsp. Salt
  • 3 Cups All purpose flour, sifted
  • Colored sugar (red, white & blue)

Directions:

  1. In a medium mixing bowl or using a stand mixer, cream together the butter, cream cheese and powdered sugar. 
  2. Add in the egg and both extracts and mix until combined well.
  3. In a separate bowl, sift the flour and add the salt.
  4. Next, stir in the flour in two additions, making sure there are no lumps and until a soft dough is formed.
  5. Divide the dough in half.
  6. On a lightly floured piece of parchment or wax, roll out one half into an 8 x 10 rectangle and sprinkle the coloured sugar onto the dough in stripes lengthwise.
  7. Using the wax or parchment as a guide, carefully roll up the dough (sushi style) and seal firmly.
  8. Repeat with the other half or you can do what we did and cut it into 1/2 inch thick squares, sprinkling the tops with the red, white and blue sugar.
  9. Refrigerate the cookie logs for about 2 hours, and slice into 1/4 inch thick cookie rounds.
  10. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. and bake cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet for  about 10-12 minutes or until sides turn lightly golden brown.
  11. Allow to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
  12. Eat, enjoy, eat some more and enjoy fireworks!

Mango-Coconut Bread (Super Moist & Delicious)

Follow my blog with Bloglovin Mango-Coconut Bread

TGIF everyone! (Wow, does anyone still say that these days?..lol) I hope so, because it is absolutely, positively fantastic that today is Friday…and it is my one of my favorite days of the week (coming a close second to Saturday, of course!) Regardless of what may have happened through the week, I break out into huge smiles and my mood becomes euphoric upon waking every Friday morning. My kids suspiciously disappear unnoticed when I get this way, because they know I will embarrass them with the kisses and hugs and the occasional song and dance, but hey…I’m sure I’m allowed an “embarrass your kids free pass” on occasion…..especially if it’s only once (or twice) a week…right? 😉

Mango and grated coconut added to the bread batter.

Mango and grated coconut added to the bread batter.

 Why do I get this way, one might ask! Well it’s because my usually crazy, often hectic and always tiring work-week is over and I get to spend  a beautiful and relaxing Shabbat( which is Hebrew for Sabbath) with my family. This is the time we fellowship and feast with one another, thanking our Creator for His blessings (big or small) through the week and we enjoy just being in His presence. It’s truly a wonderful way to end each week and Marquest and I get ecstatic!! 🙂

Mango-Coconut Bread: Before and After Baking

Mango-Coconut Bread: Before and After Baking

So in anticipation for today, I baked a wonderful bread yesterday to share with our neighbors (for sharing such heavenly mangoes with us) and I wanted to share this recipe with you. It’s a recipe I actually formulated from scratch, but after doing a google search, I found out that there are a few other variations out there, but I’m confident you’ll be pleased with this one! Marquest and the kids enthusiastically gave it all thumbs ups! (and big-toes too I should add 🙂 ) Although I wasn’t able to eat a piece, (because of gluten sensitivity) I could tell it was definitely a winner and I will definitely be making a gluten-free version very soon.

Moist Mango-Coconut Bread

Moist Mango-Coconut Bread

Mango Coconut Bread

Mango Coconut Bread

Manco-Coconut Bread Closeup

Mango-Coconut Bread Closeup

So Shabbat Shalom everyone! I hope you try out this recipe for a super moist and delicious ‘Mango-Coconut Bread’ and I wish you all a peaceful, joyful and relaxing weekend!

Bettina

Mango-Coconut Bread

  • Servings: 8-10
  • Difficulty: easy
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Author: Bettina Bullard

Mango-Coconut Bread Ingredients:

  • 1 Cup butter, softened at room temperature
  • 4 Oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 1 Cup granulated sugar
  • 4 Large eggs
  • 1 Tsp. vanilla extract
  • 3 Cups all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 3½ Tsp. baking powder
  • 1 Tsp. salt
  • 2 +1/4 Cups pureed ripe mango (hairless)
  • 1/2 Cup fresh grated coconut

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and prepare a large loaf pan (about 10″x6″) by greasing and lightly flouring.
  2. Mix the sifted flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl or in a stand mixer, cream the butter, cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  4. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition, and then add the vanilla extract.
  5. Next add the flour and 2 cups of mango puree in gradually, alternating equally until all have been incorporated evenly.
  6. Finally with a spoon or spatula fold in the grated coconut.
  7. Pour the thick batter into your prepared loaf pan from one position and very low, to decrease air bubbles.
  8. Spread the last 1/4 cup of mango puree on top and swirl with your spatula or a butter knife.
  9. Place the pan on the middle rack of your oven and bake at 350 degrees F. for 65-70 minutes or until a wood skewer or butter knife come out clean from the middle.
  10. Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

BAHAMIAN Mango Duff

Bahamian Mango Duff

Hey guys, hope everyone is doing well! I have a wonderful and delicious recipe I want share with you! If you don’t know already, I run a home-based business along with my Hubs, Marquest, where we bake and deliver our signature pizza and vegetable patties, cakes,cupcakes, pastries, Bahamian Guava Duff and other delicious Bahamian homemade desserts and treats. It’s called, Taste Of Bahamas, formerly Latoya’s Loft. (This name still appears on our Facebook business page since we were unable to change it….oh well!)

Baking and cooking has to be in my blood! I grew up in my grandmother’s house, where every child learned how to help out in the kitchen, and full course meals were prepared to feed an already large extended family… plus the neighbors! 🙂 My maternal grandfather, who’s now 86, was an executive chef and taught me a few tricks up his sleeve. Even my mother, has unexpected house guests show up every time she’s making dinner and believe me, that’s nothing to sneeze at! And don’t let her be making her famous “guava duff” too. Yep, there’s just something about “duff”  (that delicious rum-sauced covered, cake-like boiled dough, swirled with guava or other desired fruit filling) that just makes us locals go bananas! Just like any other recipe, there are many variations, but fortunately for me, I learned from the best…. plus I decided to step it up a notch! 😉

Bahamian Love Duff

So you all must be thinking, “is her post about this Guava Duff, she keeps mentioning or Mango Duff? I really wanted to show you how I make guava duff, but I just did not have any ripe, fresh guavas on hand (the best to use to make this dessert) so I promise to revisit this another day, hopefully real soon. Instead , this recipe is for Mango Duff. It is made exactly the same way, except for the preparation of the fruit. Like I mentioned earlier, the dough is somewhat cake like, made with basic ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, shortening, milk, eggs and baking powder. The proportions of each ingredient may vary per recipe, but I’ve formulated one that produces a dough that is soft and moist, once cooked, which is what most of us aim to achieve.

Rolled duff dough with mango filling.

Rolled duff dough with mango filling.

Duff wrapped and covered in foil.

Duff wrapped and covered in foil.

Unfortunately, I was unable to take photos of every stage, but once your dough is made, it’s really not that difficult. It’s just a matter of rolling your dough into a rectangle, spreading the fruit and rolling it up similar to how how you make cinnamon rolls….just without cutting it into pieces. Once you’ve rolled it up, you wrap and cover it with parchment and foil, place it in a large turkey sized oven bag that is tied securely, and carefully place it in boiling hot water to cook on both sides. Sounds easy huh? 😉

Duff wrapped, covered in foil and tied.

Duff wrapped, covered in foil and tied.

Duff boiling in hot water.

Duff boiling in hot water.

After the Duff is boiled, you remove it from the hot water, allow it to cool a bit before unwrapping and then slice and serve with an accompanying rum-flavored sweet sauce. (I’ve also provided the recipe for the sauce below)

Mango Duff cooling and ready to be sliced.

Mango Duff cooling and ready to be sliced.

Mango Duff slices.

Mango Duff slices.

Hope you try this recipe out soon! You won’t regret it! Cheers! 🙂

Blog Photo-2

Bahamian Mango Duff

  • Servings: 10
  • Difficulty: intermediate
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Author: Bettina Bullard

Bahamian Mango Duff

Ingredients:

For The Duff:

  • 2 Med. hairless mangoes, thinly diced
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 oz unsalted butter, softened
  •  2 oz shortening (I used crisco)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3  Large egg whites (room temp.)
  • 1 Large whole egg (room temp.)
  • 3½ cups sifted all-purpose flour
  • 4 Teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 Teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cups milk

For The Mango Rum Sauce:

  • 1 Large hairless mango, chopped and pureed
  •  8 oz unsalted butter, softened
  •  4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 Egg yolks + 2 whole eggs
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup dark or mango flavored rum

Directions:

  1. Fill a large wide-bottomed pot or pan midway with hot water and allow to come to a boil on the stove. Turn off heat until ready to boil your dough.
  2. Place the thinly diced flesh of the 2 large mangoes in a bowl, blend with the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. Place the sifted flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
  4. In a large Mixing bowl and using a wire whisk, cream together the softened butter, crisco and 1/3 cup sugar until smooth.
  5. Next, add the egg whites, whole egg and vanilla extract and mix evenly.
  6. Gradually stir in the flour into the mixture along with the milk until a soft dough begins to form.
  7. Remove the dough from the whisk and continue to form the dough with clean, floured hands, adding more flour or milk until the dough is smooth and pliable. Allow to rest for about 5 minutes.
  8. Using a floured rolling pin, gently roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, into a rectangle measuring 13″x 13″.
  9. Remove the mango diced mango from the refrigerator and with a slotted spoon, apply the mangoes over the top of the dough, leaving about a ½” space from the edges.
  10. Starting at the side closest to you tuck and carefully roll the dough, making sure the mangoes do not spill or push out of the sides.
  11. On your last roll, tuck in the sides and pinch the seam firmly to seal.
  12. Firmly wrap the dough into an appropriately sized  piece of parchment paper, allowing a small amount of space for the dough to swell, then cover in a piece of heavy duty foil. Make sure all ends are securely sealed.
  13. Increase the heat under the hot water to high and allow to come to boil again.
  14. Place the wrapped duff into a large, oven-proof turkey bag and roll until all air is removed. Immediately tie with a long string or zip-tie.
  15. Once the water has returned to a boil, gently rest the dough flat into the water and with a long spoon, press the top of the duff until it sinks a bit.
  16. 16. Set your oven timer and allow to boil for 30 minutes. Turn over carefully, using the string and boil for another 25-30 minutes on the other side.
  17. While duff is still boiling, place the ingredients for the sauce in a stand mixer (or you can use a hand mixer) and mix on medium-high until the sauce is light and fluffy. Refrigerate until duff is ready to serve.
  18. Once The duff has completed boiling, remove it from the water, being careful not to burn yourself. Untie the string and remove the duff from the turkey bag.(You may have to cut it open)
  19. Allow to cool a bit before removing the foil and parchment.
  20. 20. Serve the Duff slices while still warm and apply the sauce generously on top.

  Note: Recipe makes a small Duff, but can be doubled to make a larger size (cook time will increase by a half hour.)