Bakes

Bakes are small deep-fried flour dumplings, eaten for breakfast in Dominica or served with saltfish. They are a Dominican breakfast food, and despite the name they are fried from start to finish, not baked in an oven.

What it really is

Bakes are made from a plain dough of flour, baking powder, salt and water. The dough is kneaded briefly, divided, and shaped into small rounds or flattened pieces before going into hot frying oil. They cook until golden brown outside and puffed through the middle, with a soft, bread-like centre. Nothing else goes into the dough, so the flavour comes from the frying and from whatever is eaten with them.

How it's served

• Hot, straight from the oil, while the outside is still crisp.
• On their own for breakfast, or with saltfish, which is a separate dish of salted fish.
• Two or three to a plate, eaten by hand.

How to write it on the menu

• Call the dish bakes and say it is deep-fried, so guests do not expect an oven-baked bread.
• Flag wheat, since the dough is made from wheat flour.
• If saltfish comes with the bakes, list it as its own item and flag fish.
• The dough has no milk or egg, so bakes are vegan if fried in plant oil. Name the frying oil, because animal fat would change that.
• State the number of bakes per serving, since portions vary.