Johnny cake / Coconut Cake

In the Bahamas these are called 'Johnny cakes' — an adaptation of the original journey cakes that women would pack for their men going to sea.

Ingredients for 6-8 cakes:

1 x 10g packet of instant active yeast

2 cups (500ml) lukewarm water

4-5 cups (600g-750g) cake flour

1 tsp (5ml) salt

1 cup (250ml) fresh grated coconut

1 tsp (5ml) coconut essence

1 Tbsp (15ml) milk

Instructions:

Dissolve yeast in the water in a large bowl.

Stir in half the flour, one cup at a time. Mix for one minute.

Cover, let rest for two hours.

Add remaining flour and salt. Knead until dough is smooth and elastic.

Add coconut and coconut essence and knead.

Place dough in a large oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Allow to rise for one to two hours, until it doubles in volume.

Divide dough into six to eight equal pieces, roll into balls and flatten slightly. Allow to rest until doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 180°C

Brush with milk, sprinkle with coconut and bake for 30 minutes or until cooked through.