Welcome to the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean Netherlands! One of the most beloved culinary treasures of this region is Bolo Pretu, a traditional cake that encapsulates the rich history and diverse influences of the Caribbean. This decadent dessert, with its origins deeply rooted in Afro-Caribbean culture, is a symbol of celebration and community. Known for its intense flavors and dense texture, Bolo Pretu is a testament to the fusion of African, European, and indigenous Caribbean culinary traditions. Join us on a culinary journey as we delve into the secrets of creating this irresistible delicacy, bringing a taste of the Caribbean Netherlands straight to your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, prunes, cherries)
• 1 cup dark rum
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, or walnuts)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Juice of 1/2 orange
• 1/4 cup molasses

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or bundt pan.

2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits and dark rum. Let them soak for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, allowing the fruits to absorb the rum and plump up.

3- In a separate bowl, cream together the brown sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy.

4- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well incorporated.

5- In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and salt.

6- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.

7- Fold in the soaked dried fruits, chopped nuts, lemon zest, orange zest, lemon juice, orange juice, and molasses until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

8- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it out evenly.

9- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

10- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

11- Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld and develop.

12- Serve slices of the rich and dense Bolo Pretu as a delightful treat alongside a cup of coffee or tea, or as a festive dessert for special occasions. Enjoy the taste of the Caribbean Netherlands in every bite!

Nutritional Values:

Here are approximate nutritional values for the listed ingredients per serving:

Mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, prunes, cherries):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 46g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 10mg

benefits:

• Provide essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and iron.
• High in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes gut health.

Dark rum (1 cup):

• Calories: 544 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 2mg

benefits:

• Adds depth of flavor and complexity to the cake.
• Contains antioxidants and may have some cardiovascular benefits in moderation.

Brown sugar (1 cup):

• Calories: 551 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 142g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 139g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 34mg

benefits:

• Adds sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Contains small amounts of minerals like calcium, potassium, and iron.

Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup):

• Calories: 1628 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 184g
• Saturated Fat: 116g
• Sodium: 24mg

benefits:

• Contributes richness and moisture to the cake.
• Contains fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, E, and K.

Large eggs (4):

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Sodium: 280mg

benefits:

• Provide protein, essential for building and repairing tissues.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, riboflavin, and selenium.

All-purpose flour (2 cups):

• Calories: 880 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 184g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Sodium: 16mg

benefits:

• Provides structure and texture to the cake.
• Contains carbohydrates for energy and small amounts of protein.

Baking powder (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 2 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 480mg

benefits:

• Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake rise.
• Provides a light and airy texture to the cake.

Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 1mg

Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg

Ground allspice (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 4 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 1mg

Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 1mg

benefits:

• Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves:
• Add warmth and depth of flavor to the cake.
• Have antioxidant properties and may have anti-inflammatory effects.

Salt (1/4 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 581mg

benefits:

• Enhances the flavor of other ingredients.
• Helps to regulate fluid balance and nerve function in the body.

Chopped nuts (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 414 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Sodium: 1mg

benefits:

• Add texture, crunch, and nutty flavor to the cake.
• Rich in healthy fats, protein, and various vitamins and minerals.

Zest of 1 lemon:

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg

Zest of 1 orange:

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg

benefits:

• Zest of lemon and orange:
• Infuses the cake with bright citrus flavor.
• Contains essential oils and antioxidants.

Juice of 1/2 lemon:

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg

Juice of 1/2 orange:

• Calories: 9 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg

benefits:

• Juice of lemon and orange:
• Adds acidity and tanginess to balance the sweetness of the cake.
• Contains vitamin C and other antioxidants.

Molasses (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 196 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 48g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 56mg

benefits:

• Adds a deep, rich flavor and moistness to the cake.
• Contains iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, processing, and specific measurements used.