Long Island, Bahamas - Rediscovered!

Now that I've piqued your interest...here's where you can find us. Long Island is located 350 miles south of Florida and 145 miles from Nassau, Bahamas. Aptly named, Long Island is 80 miles in length and 4 miles at its widest point. It is nestled between the islands of Exuma and Crooked island in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

This mouthwatering photo is courtesy of M. Pulver.

My Favorite Guava Duff Recipe

Dough:

2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/4 cup butter
3/4 cup whole milk

In a large bowl sift together the dry ingredients. Next, cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter. Add milk to make a smooth dough.

Place the mixture onto a floured surface and knead lightly, adding more flour if necessary. With a floured rolling pin, roll the dough out into a rectangle about 12 x 15inches.

Spread the filling over the dough to 1 inch of the edges. Brush the edges with water and roll up like a log, pinching the edges together securely.

Spray a piece of heavy foil wrap with non-stick spray and wrap the duff securely, forming a dome. Place into a large baking dish and half fill the dish with water. Place on the bottom rack of the oven and bake for 1-1/2 hours adding more water if necessary while baking.

Carefully remove the foil packet from the dish and remove the duff from the foil onto a serving platter. Slice into 1/2 thick slices and serve warm with Socka Hard Rum Sauce

Filling:

21/2 cups fresh guava shells
2 Tbsp sugar
1 cup water
1/2 tsp ground allspice

Add the guava, water and sugar to a sauce pot over low heat and bring to a boil. Stir continuously until guavas have softened.
Remove from the heat and drain the guavas. Add allspice and mix well. When the shells have cooled, add to the dough.

NOTE: Canned guava shells can also be used here. When using canned guavas in the filling, sugar is not necessary. Remove the shells from the can, add allspice and place shelss onto the rolled dough.

Soca Hard Rum Sauce:

1/2 cup softened butter
3-4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tbsp Bacardi or other dark rum
1 cup guava shells
1/4 cup whole milk

Puree the guava shells and set aside. In a small bowl, vigorously mix the softened butter with the powdered sugar. Add the pureed guava shells, vanilla extract, milk and rum. Add more milk or powdered sugar until the sauce is the desired consistency. Allow the sauce to set and serve over warm duff.

An adaptation from "Many Tastes of The Bahamas & Culinary Influences of the Caribbean" by Lady Darling.

Long Island is a photographer's dream! Take a peek at a few of my favorite photos from my last visit.