Float Recipes

GRANDMA'S FLOAT

Steps:

• Whisk the flour and 2 tablespoons of white sugar together in a small bowl until combined; set aside. Whisk together the egg yolks, milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small saucepan until smooth. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat, and stir constantly. Once the mixture is warm, whisk in the flour mixture, and continue cooking until the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes. Whisk constantly as the sauce cooks to keep it from scorching. Once thick, keep warm over low heat.
• Beat egg whites until foamy in a large glass or metal mixing bowl. Gradually add the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Lift your beater or whisk straight up: the egg whites should form a sharp peak that holds its shape. Finally, beat in the remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• Pour the hot sauce over the egg whites, and gently fold together using a rubber scraper until well incorporated. Do not mix vigorously, or the egg whites will deflate. Serve warm.

FRIED BAKES OR FLOATS

Steps:

• Using a sieve over a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Add the butter and, using your fingertips, work it into the flour mixture to form pea-sized pieces. While stirring with a wooden spoon, slowly add water in a stream, until the flour starts to leave the sides of the bowl. When dough is soft, but not sticky, transfer it to a lightly floured work surface.
• Knead the dough, divide and roll the dough into small balls the size of golf balls. Cover the dough balls with a damp paper towel, covered by a regular kitchen towel, and let rest for 10 minutes.
• Knead the dough balls for a second time until smooth and soft to the touch, and let rest, covered again with the 2 towels, about 10 minutes more.
• Using a rolling pin, roll each dough ball into a 4-inch disk
• Pour the oil into a wok to a depth of 2 inches. Place the pot over medium heat and heat until a deep-fry thermometer reads 375 degrees F. Working in batches, fry the dough disks, turning once, until golden brown and puffed, about 30 seconds per side. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bakes to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve with Trinidadian dal, rice, and bhaji, or your favorite stew or casserole.