What’s for dinner? I imagine that since it’s Sunday, you are likely having leftovers from the big meal earlier in the day. However, ‘what’s for dinner’ is a question frequently asked during the week. And since one of the most comforting and cherished things in our cuisine is Bakes (of many forms). It screams dinner! Think about it.
Bakes, regardless of whatever type you are making, get people excited. This is a Love Letter to Bakes. It is the type of food that screams nostalgia. It is a food that people like to eat with specific accompaniments, and drink with particular hot beverages. While Bakes are made for breakfast, it is the making and eating of Bakes at dinner that they seem to fit best. Whether you are making Drop bakes, Float bakes, Pot bakes, School Girl bakes or any of the other many types of Bakes found in our cuisine, they round off that final major meal of the day in a way that comforts and soothes the stress of the day. Think about it.
While it is usual for many people to cook salt fish in a preferred way to accompany Bakes, truly speaking, you never really have to cook anything to have with Bakes. While still warm, or at room temperature, Bakes are excellent on their own. It is one of the reasons why they work so well for dinner.
Canned fish, whether sardines, mackerel, salmon or tuna make for quick, easy and delicious accompaniment. So too do corned beef, eggs, cheese and butter. I like to eat at least one Bake with butter while still warm. Just like with fresh warm bread, the butter melts and gets into the nooks and crannies of the laced interior of the Bake, particularly that of float bakes (which are my favourite). I’ve known family and friends that like theirs with jam and peanut butter (separately). Hey, you know what’s really excellent with Bakes – fried fish! The ease and ready access of these accompaniments to Bakes make quick work of preparing dinner; a filling and satisfying meal. Think about it.
There are times when all you want is the Bake by itself, not even butter. At these times, it is about the Bake and the preferred beverage. Milo, Ovaltine, and Cocoa or any type of hot chocolate are high up on the list. Of course there are tea and coffee too. Actually, some bush tea – lemongrass (fever grass), bay leaf, lime leaf, mint, cherry leaf, sweet broom or bergamot – makes a delightful accompaniment for Bakes at dinner time. The health properties they possess, particularly those that soothe, relax and aid in digestion make them appealing to have in the evening.
Another thing about Bakes that make them ideal for dinner, is that everyone can choose whatever they want to have with their bakes. All you need to do is make a big bowl of Bakes. I mean if you want to be extra generous, you could put together a couple of accompaniments for them.
The variety of things with which you can eat Bakes, make the experience of having them even more pleasurable. Each Bake would have a different flavour profile. Think about it. Bake and cheese. Bake and sardines. Bake and ham. Bake and fried fish. Depending on what is on offer, you can have at least 3 Bakes with different things. Come on, no one eats 1 bake! (lol)
If you like, you can also opt to stuff the Bake and fry it. Make some fish choka, fried salt fish or fried corned beef and encase the filling in the dough and then cook the Bakes. Another really nice way to enjoy Bakes.
Finally, if, I mean if you have any Bakes left back, not to worry, you know they will be going down nicely with your cup of hot beverage of choice in the morning. Bakes, they keep on giving.
I know what I am making for dinner tomorrow. What about you?
Have a great weekend everyone!
Cynthia
cynthia@tasteslikehome.org
