Welcome to the flavors of the Caribbean! Originating from the beautiful Cayman Islands, Bun and Cheese is a beloved traditional dish that combines the sweetness of bun with the savory richness of cheese, creating a unique culinary experience. This delightful treat is often enjoyed during festive occasions such as Easter, but its irresistible taste makes it a favorite year-round. Whether you're craving a snack or planning a gathering, this recipe will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of the Cayman Islands. Let's dive into the kitchen and explore how to create this delicious Caribbean delicacy.

Ingredients:

For the Bun:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg

For Serving:

• Sliced cheese (traditionally cheddar or Jamaican Tastee cheese)

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.

3- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, molasses, vanilla extract, and egg until well combined.

4- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a thick batter forms. Be careful not to overmix.

5- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

6- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7- Allow the bun to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

8- Once the bun has cooled, slice it into thick slices.

9- Serve the slices of bun with slices of cheese on the side. Enjoy your Cayman Islands Bun and Cheese as a delightful snack or dessert!

Note: You can customize this recipe by adding raisins or mixed dried fruits to the batter for extra sweetness and texture. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite pairing.

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the listed ingredients:

4 cups all-purpose flour:

• Calories: 1,600 kcal
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 336g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 12g

benefits: Provides carbohydrates for energy and contains some protein for muscle repair and maintenance.

1 cup brown sugar:

• Calories: 836 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 216g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Adds sweetness and flavor. Contains some minerals like calcium, potassium, and iron, though in small amounts compared to other sources.

1 teaspoon baking powder:

• Calories: 2 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: A leavening agent that helps the bun rise and become light and fluffy.

1 teaspoon baking soda:

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Another leavening agent that helps the bun rise by releasing carbon dioxide when mixed with acidic ingredients.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon:

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits: Adds a warm, sweet flavor and contains antioxidants that may have anti-inflammatory effects.

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg:

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Adds a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and may have antibacterial properties.

1/2 teaspoon ground allspice:

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Adds a complex flavor reminiscent of a combination of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. May have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

1/2 teaspoon salt:

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Enhances flavor and helps regulate the fermentation process in baking.

1/2 cup butter, melted:

• Calories: 814 kcal
• Fat: 92g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Adds richness and flavor, and provides essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.

1 cup milk:

• Calories: 122 kcal
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Provides calcium and vitamin D for bone health, along with protein for muscle repair and growth.

1/4 cup molasses:

• Calories: 158 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor, and contains minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract:

• Calories: 12 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.5g
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Adds a pleasant aroma and flavor to the bun.

1 egg:

• Calories: 72 kcal
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 0.4g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Provides protein for muscle repair and growth, along with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, B vitamins, and choline for overall health.

Note: These values are approximate and may vary slightly based on specific brands and variations in ingredients.