Bakes and Floats

My Love Affair with Bakes and Floats

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious, wholesome meals can sometimes feel like a Herculean task. My days are a whirlwind of meetings, school runs, and trying to squeeze in a quick workout. But even amidst the chaos, I find solace and joy in creating simple, satisfying recipes that bring my family together. One such treasure I've stumbled upon – and quickly fallen in love with – is the humble "Bake and Float." It’s a recipe that embodies simplicity, yet delivers a surprising depth of flavour that's hard to resist. This recipe transports me back to my grandmother's kitchen where the aroma of warm dough and sizzling oil would fill the air, bringing a wave of comforting nostalgia.

What I particularly love about Bakes and Floats is their versatility. They're wonderfully delicious on their own, providing a perfect balance of slightly sweet and subtly savoury. The slightly crisp exterior gives way to a soft, fluffy interior – a textural delight that never fails to please. But the fun doesn't stop there! These little gems are an amazing base for creative culinary adventures. I've experimented with different toppings, adding everything from a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat to a dollop of savory cream cheese for a more sophisticated touch. They're also a fantastic vehicle for leftover ingredients – imagine the delightful combination of Bakes and Floats topped with a generous helping of slow-cooked stewed tomatoes or even a vibrant salsa. The possibilities are truly endless.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s not a dish that requires rare ingredients or hours of slaving over a hot stove. In fact, it’s the perfect recipe for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend brunch. The dough is surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a handful of readily available ingredients, and the frying process is straightforward, even for the most novice cook. The simple steps involved make it a great recipe to share with family or even try with little ones eager to help in the kitchen. It's a recipe that speaks to my desire for quick, tasty, and easy-to-prepare meals without compromising on flavour or satisfaction. I’ve found it to be a constant source of comfort and joy, bridging the gap between quick meals and homemade culinary masterpieces.

Beyond the practicality, though, what I cherish most about this recipe is the sense of connection it fosters. The aroma of freshly baked Bakes and Floats instantly fills my kitchen with warmth and invites a sense of togetherness. It's the perfect accompaniment to lazy weekend mornings, a comforting treat after a long day, or a simple yet delicious addition to a family gathering. These aren't just simple fried dough balls; they are little pockets of happiness, carrying with them the essence of home-cooked love and the satisfaction of a meal made with heart. This is more than just a recipe; it’s a reminder that even in our busiest of lives, creating delicious memories through food is always within our reach.

The recipe's simplicity isn't a drawback; it’s what makes it so special. The humble ingredients transform into something magical, and the process itself is therapeutic. Kneading the dough is a form of stress relief – a rhythmic action that centers me and allows me to disconnect from the daily grind. The act of frying is strangely satisfying too – watching the dough puff up and turn golden brown is a little culinary performance, and the final product, warm and golden, is a reward for a few simple steps. This recipe is a testament to the fact that the most satisfying meals are often the simplest, most unassuming ones – the kind that bring joy without demanding too much of your time or energy.

So, if you’re looking for a recipe that’s both delicious and easy, I encourage you to give Bakes and Floats a try. It’s a recipe that’s as versatile as it is delightful, adapting to your culinary preferences and inspiring creativity. It's a recipe I’ll be making time and again, a little taste of home in the heart of the busy life of a working woman.

Step-by-step

• Measure the flour into a large bowl.
• Mix the butter and sugar into the flour.
• Dissolve the salt into the water.
• Gradually pour the water and salt mixture into the flour, butter and sugar mixture.
• Mix together and knead until the dough becomes nice and soft, but not too soft.
• If the dough is too soft, add some more flour until the dough is smooth, soft and does not stick to your hand.
• Cover the dough with a damp tea-towel for about 15 minutes.
• Place a large frying pan on a medium heat.
• When the pan gets hot, add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan to about 1 cm deep.
• Cut the dough into small pieces a little bigger than the size of a table-tennis or golf ball.
• Using your hands, roll and shape the dough into a ball, then flatten and shape into a disk about 1 cm thick.
• Place the flat circular dough into the frying pan of hot oil.
• When one side is golden brown, turn it over to the other side.
• Once both sides are golden brown, the bake is ready.
• Allow to cool a bit before eating.