Damon Mcknight
Johnny cakes, also known as jonny cakes, journey cakes, Shawnee cakes, and jonakins, are a type of flatbread or pancake made with cornmeal and other ingredients such as flour, eggs, baking powder, milk or buttermilk, and sometimes sugar or other seasonings. Johnny cakes are believed to have originated in the Shawnee tribe in New England and are also significant in Black American, Indigenous, and Caribbean cultures. In Australia, Johnny cakes are cooked on a grill over a bed of coals and are a staple in Aboriginal camps. Making Australian Johnny cakes involves mixing and kneading a dough, shaping it into flat cakes, and grilling them until they are cooked through and slightly browned. They can be served with various toppings or fillings such as butter, maple syrup, or applesauce.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Cornmeal, flour, eggs, baking powder, milk or buttermilk, vanilla, spices, salt, sugar, butter, bacon grease, rosemary, Parmesan cheese |
| Tools | Frying pan, grill, wire rack, baking sheet, oven |
| Preparation | Combine dry ingredients, add wet ingredients, mix, melt butter in pan, cook until golden brown |
| Serving suggestions | Butter, maple butter, maple syrup, applesauce, jam, buttercream frosting, fresh berries |
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Ingredients
Johnny cakes, also known as Rhode Island Johnny Cakes, are cornmeal pancakes. The traditional ingredients for Johnny Cakes are cornmeal, salt, and water. Some recipes include a small amount of sugar, and/or some fat like butter or bacon grease.
In more recent times, Johnny Cakes are cooked in butter in a cast-iron pan, but they can also be cooked in lard. For a lighter bread, the dough should be kneaded and cut to aerate it.
If you are making Australian Johnny Cakes, you will need a flatbed of coals to cook on with no flame. If you don’t have a manufactured flat grill, you will need to fashion one out of chicken wire.
For a more contemporary recipe, you can include flour, eggs, baking powder, milk or buttermilk, and even vanilla and spices. The eggs act as a binder, and the buttermilk helps make the cakes fluffy.
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Mixing the batter
To make the batter for Australian Johnny Cakes, you will need a mixing bowl and a whisk. Combine dry ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl, including cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine the ingredients.
In a separate bowl, beat two large eggs until broken up. Add milk or buttermilk, and water to the eggs and whisk to combine. You can also add sugar to this mixture for a sweeter cake. For a savoury variation, you can add rosemary to the batter and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. You can also add melted butter to the batter and whisk to combine.
Let the batter rest for about 15 minutes. This will help to soften the grains, prevent a gritty texture, and allow the batter to thicken.
Once the batter is ready, heat a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and melt butter or bacon grease. Use a measuring cup to drop portions of the batter into the pan. The cakes will be ready to flip once the batter starts to bubble.
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Shaping the dough
First, turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Make sure your work area is well-dusted with flour to prevent the dough from sticking. Use a rolling pin to gently pat down the dough to a thickness of about 1-2 cm. The thickness can be adjusted to your preference, but a thinner dough will cook faster and result in a crispier Johnny Cake.
Next, cut the dough into equal-sized pieces. You can make triangles, rectangles, or rounds, depending on your desired shape. A good size to aim for is the size of your palm, or slightly larger. If you prefer a more rustic look, you can simply break off pieces of dough and shape them with your hands.
For a traditional Australian Bush method, shape each piece of dough into a ball and then flatten it out to the desired thickness. This technique ensures even cooking and a nice, round shape.
Finally, if you're cooking your Johnny Cakes on a grill or in a pan, use a spatula or a scraper to carefully lift the shaped dough and place it onto the cooking surface. Be gentle to avoid misshaping your perfectly crafted dough!
Now that your dough is shaped, you're ready to cook your Australian Johnny Cakes!
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Cooking the cakes
To cook the Australian Johnny cakes, start by heating up your cooking surface. If you're using a grill, throw it straight onto a bed of coals—no flame. If you're using a frying pan, melt some butter in a large, heavy-based pan over medium-high heat.
Once your cooking surface is hot, it's time to cook the cakes. If you're using a grill, place the cakes straight onto the grill. If you're using a frying pan, use a 1/4-cup measuring cup to drop two portions of the batter into the pan. The cakes will swell and 'bubble' when the bottom is cooked, so turn them over and give them about the same amount of time on the other side. Cook until they are light golden brown on both sides and slightly risen.
If you're making a larger cake, grease an 8-inch square cake pan and pour the batter into the pan. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Transfer the cakes to a wire rack placed on a baking sheet and put them in a warmed oven to keep warm while you make another batch. Serve hot with butter, maple butter, maple syrup, or applesauce.
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Serving suggestions
Johnny cakes are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. They can be enjoyed as a sweet treat or a savoury snack, depending on your preference. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your Australian Johnny cakes:
For a classic take, serve your Johnny cakes hot with a generous pat of butter on top. The butter will melt into the warm cakes, creating a rich and indulgent mouthful. You can also offer maple syrup on the side for an extra touch of sweetness. This combination of butter and maple syrup is a timeless pairing that complements the cornmeal flavour beautifully.
If you're feeling adventurous, try serving your Johnny cakes with maple butter. This variation provides a more intense maple flavour that blends seamlessly with the butter. Alternatively, applesauce is another excellent choice for those who want a fruity twist. The sweetness of the apples provides a delightful contrast to the savoury notes of the cornmeal.
For a savoury option, consider sprinkling Parmesan cheese on top of your Johnny cakes. This adds a salty, umami flavour that balances the sweetness of the corn. You can also experiment with herbs like rosemary, adding a fragrant, savoury twist to your cakes.
Johnny cakes can also be a delicious base for toppings. Try spreading some jam on top for a sweet treat, or go for something more savoury like buttercream frosting and fresh berries. If you're serving them for breakfast, a side of crispy bacon is a perfect pairing, especially when cooked in the same pan, infusing the cakes with a hint of bacon grease.
Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment with different serving suggestions. Johnny cakes are versatile, so feel free to customise them to your taste. You can adjust the sweetness or savouriness to suit your preference, making them a delightful treat for any time of the day.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need cornmeal, flour, eggs, baking powder, milk or buttermilk, salt, sugar, and butter or bacon grease.
First, combine the dry ingredients in a bowl. Next, beat the eggs and add them to the mixture along with the milk or buttermilk. Melt butter or bacon grease in a pan and pour the batter into the pan. Fry until golden brown.
Australian Johnny Cakes are similar to cornbread or pancakes. They are usually served hot with butter, maple syrup, or applesauce.
