Festival by Ann Marie

Ann Marie responded to the “Wheat” theme by frying Festival Bread, acknowledging the happiness and sadness this food awakens in her, since the loss of her husband, and her father. In our “Cooking Up Feminism” sessions, Ann Marie recalls how this sweet fried dough is traditionally served with fried fish. “This reminds me of Sunday afternoons when my husband and I would take our daughter and my father-in-law to the beach. I rarely make it now as it brings back memories of two of the most important men who left this earth too soon”. Ann Marie shares that making and eating Festival brought her immense joy during our workshops. The sweet dough becomes Ann Marie’s way to celebrate and honour those closest to her. “This workshop has me appreciating the grand traditions that food provides. As you say, it’s not just for mindlessly putting in our mouths, food provides emotional sustenance as well”.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of flour

• ½ cup of fine yellow cornmeal

• ½ tsp of salt

• ¼ tsp of nutmeg

• 4½ tbsp of brown sugar

• 1 tbsp of baking powder

• ¼ cup of milk

• ½ cup of water

• ¼ tsp of vanilla extract

• Cooking oil for frying

Instructions

• Add the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, nutmeg and sugar to a mixing bowl and combine these dry ingredients well

• Mix together the water, vanilla and milk

• Add wet mixture to the dry ingredients in increments to form a soft dough. Knead until smooth and well combined

• Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll to form cylinders approximately 3-4 inches in length

• Add oil to a deep frying pan and heat on medium to low fire until hot

• Place the dough one at a time into the heated oil and cook turning to cook on all sides

• Cook until golden brown.

• Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels

• Reduce sugar by 1 tbsp for vegan milk.

Notes: Any type of milk may be used in this recipe.