One of the most memorable aspects of any Christmas is the food—more precisely, the aroma of the dishes being prepared. Whether it’s the ham, fruitcake, or bread, the delicious whiff fills the house, whetting appetites and leaving young and old salivating.

We said: “fills the house”, but baking was done in the open generations past. Our great grand and grandmothers used an outdoor earthen oven for their tasty delicacies. Moreover, back then, baking was a lively, communal affair. Villagers came together to participate. As few households owned ovens, the villager with one would invite others over to bake.

Choosing a day in the week before Christmas, the owner would fire up the earthen oven, and the villagers would take turns baking their Christmas goodies. We imagine it must have been a very jolly time.

Now, fast forward a generation later, and there were the tin and oil-drum ovens. Though inviting less of a shared celebration, it was still festive.  These tin ovens sat atop a wood fire ad were located outdoors at the front of the house. Once adequately heated, loaves of bread and cakes were baked to perfection.

The oil drums differed in that they were cut to allow the fire to burn within. Also, shelving was creatively incorporated. The delightful smell of baking fruitcakes, black cakes, or bread would tantalise passers-by or neighbours.

As you create your traditions with your family, we’ve got an old-fashioned cassava bake recipe if you wish to incorporate a bit of ole time Christmas in your contemporary practices. Although it may be sans the earthen oven or drum, you can still bake it in your modern oven. Of course, if you have an earthen oven or use an oil drum, that will significantly lend to the experience.

Here’s our quick recipe, get ready to fire up your oven.

Cassava Bakes Recipe

Ingredients

2 lbs grated Cassava

1 whole coconut grated

1/3 cup Sugar

2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. nutmeg

1tsp. cinnamon

Method

Clean, grate and strain the cassava to remove excess water. Also, grate the coconut. 

Mix all ingredients, kneading until smooth and elastic. Flatten dough with a rolling pin, and in a greased baking pan, place in the oven. Cook until golden brown.

Alternative cooking method – stovetop

To prepare on the stovetop, heat a flat pot on the stove. Place flattened dough in the pot to cook. Lower the stove to medium temperature and leave to cook until golden brown. Once cooked, flip to the other side, following the same procedure.  

Happy Holidays from Yello. We wish you a jolly ole time Christmas.