Jamaica

JAMAICA: Gizzadas

This traditional Jamaican and Portuguese dessert was recommended by Aubrey Bodden, our Caribbean dessert officianado. 

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold water
1 1/4 oz shortening
1 3/4 oz margarine

1 large dry coconut, grated
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon water
1/4 teaspoon butter
Maraschino cherries (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Sift together salt and flour in a large bowl.
Cut shortening and butter into mixture till incorporated.

Add water to mixture to make a dough
Place dough in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Using a rolling pin on a floured surface, roll dough out to about a 1/4 inch thickness
With about an 8-inch glass cut circles out of dough. If you have tart pans place dough into pans cutting off any excess dough. If no pans, pinch around the dough. You are making a casing for the coconut filling.

Over low heat, add water and sugar to a heavy bottom pot. Boil until it turns into a syrup.

Add grated coconut, and nutmeg and continue to boil for about another 10 minutes. 

Continue to stir occasionally. Add butter and mix into mixture until all the butter has disappeared. Set aside and cool.

Once all shells are made, place dough on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.

Take out of oven and carefully add coconut filling to cases.

Decorate with half a cherry in the center
Bake treats for another 20 minutes.