Author: Chef Yadira

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Panamanian Fruit Cake

Make Ahead: The fruit should soak for at least 30 days. (Or follow quick-soak directions; see NOTES.) The cake can be wrapped and stored in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months (with periodic brushing; see below) or frozen for up to 6 months.

Where to Buy: Liquid burnt sugar, which tastes like a cross between molasses and caramel, is an ingredient often found in Caribbean recipes and can be purchased online or at Caribbean grocery stores. Mincemeat is a blend of raisins, apples and spices, and is traditionally made with beef suet and brandy. Vegetarian versions can be found online and in stores.

You’ll need a 9-inch round cake pan with sides at least 2 inches high.

16 servings

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/3 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2/3 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 3/4 teaspoon liquid burnt sugar (see headnote)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups prepared fruits (see NOTE)
  • 1/2 cup mincemeat (with brandy; see headnote)
  • 2 tablespoons rum, or more for long-term storage (see headnote)
  • 2 tablespoons brandy, or more for long-term storage (see headnote)
DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Lightly grease the pan with baker’s spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and salt onto a sheet of parchment or wax paper.

Combine the butter, shortening and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer; beat on medium speed for several minutes, until light and fluffy. Stop to scrape down the bowl.

Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl until evenly combined, adding the water gradually until well incorporated. Whisk in the liquid burnt sugar and vanilla extract.

Add the egg mixture to the butter-sugar mixture in the mixer bowl, then fold in the prepared fruits and their liquid, plus the mincemeat; this may be best to do by hand, because the mixture can be heavy and could potentially burn out the mixer motor. Add the flour mixture a quarter-cup at a time, combining thoroughly. A spoon should be able to stand up in the middle of the batter.

Spoon the batter into the cake pan and smooth the surface. Bake (middle rack) for 1 hour and 15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean; if that does not happen, reduce the temperature to 300 degrees and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let the cake cool in its pan for 1 hour.

Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to poke several holes in the top of the cake, then mix the brandy and rum together and pour on top of the cake. Remove the cake from the pan. The cake can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 weeks; brush the top of the cake with 2 teaspoons of brandy or rum once a week to help keep it moist.

NOTE: To make the prepared fruits, combine 1 1/4 cups finely chopped Paradise Extra Fancy Fruit Cake Mix (candied fruits), 1 1/4 cups raisins, 1/2 cup currants, 1/4 cup rum, 2 tablespoons brandy and 2 tablespoons port in an airtight container. Allow the fruits to soak for at least 30 days. If unable to soak for a long period, place all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and cook for 15 minutes. Let cool to room temperature. This quick-cook mixture can be placed in an airtight container and stored in a cool, dark place for several weeks, until ready to use.

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Culantro

Panama’s key spice is “culantro” (not cilantro), as shown in the picture to the left.  Culantro is a tropical perennial in the Apiaceae family that is widely used as a seasoning in many of our dishes.  It is native to Central and South America and not well known in the United States. It is known as “cha[r]don beni” in Trinidad

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Carimañolas

Yuca
2lbs yuca, peeled (fresh or frozen)
2 teaspoons oil
1 tablespoon salt

Filling
1 lb ground beef
1/8 cup oil
1 small oil, chopped fine
1 green sweet pepper, chopped fine
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon Oregano, dried
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 teaspoon Adobo seasoning
1 teaspoon Maggi sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste

Process
Cut yuca into small pieces. Place yuca in a pot with 2 quarts of water and bring to a boil. Cook for 20 minutes or until tender. Do not overcook or it will get mushy. Drain yuca and let stand for 5 minutes to cool. Remove spine in the center with a peering knife. Grind yuca in a grinder (or food processor). Add oil and salt to the ground yuca and make a dough.

While the yuca is cooking, begin preparing filling. Heat a medium size skillet over medium heat and add oil. Add the onion and green peppers and cook until onions are translucent. Remove from skillet. Place ground beef in skillet and cook until no pink is visible. Add cooked onions and green peppers to cooked beef and add remaining ingredients and stir. Turn heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes to ensure that paste is cooked out. Strain cooked beef until all moisture removed and let cool.

Take yuca dough and divide into equal portions and form into small bowl shape and fill with two teaspoons of ground beef. Close the top of dough like a purse and seal and shape like a football. Place into a pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

To cook, heat the oil for frying in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F. Cook the Carimanolas in the hot oil in batches. If cooking in saucepan, use tongs to turn balls around to ensure even browning, until crispy and golden brown, for about 3 minutes per batch. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate before serving.