Santas From Around The World: Jamaica- Santy (Advent 2020, Day 8)

 

We're heading down to the island nation of Jamaica for today's Advent. The children of Jamaica refer to the Jolly Ole Fatman by many common names, such as Santa Claus, Father Christmas and Kris Kringle. But I think the name Santy is my favorite.

You think that an island not known for having buildings with chimneys might have some different takes on Santa and you'd be right. For one thing, Santy doesn't even drop into people's homes. Whereas most versions of Santa tend to operate in private when folks are asleep, Santy maintains a very public profile in Jamaica.

Instead of arriving in a sleigh with elves and reindeer, Santy comes to town leading a giant parade full of musicians and dancers.

Festivities begin on December 14th, with children climbing Santy's lap to share with him their most wildest gift wishes. Over the course of the next week and a half leading up to Christmas, Santy then visits children at school with an assortment of toys and candy. Musical instruments and gum are the items in the most demand.

Just before Santy heads off for his trip around the world, he visits those children who are confined to the hospital or are convalescing at home due to illness. Because they're staying in a hospital, the sick children tend to get stuffed animals instead of noise makers. But Santy never forgets to bring with him that coveted chewing gum.

I really wanted to share the flavors of the caribbean today's cookie recipe. So I hope all of you will enjoy this yummy recipe for Jamaican Lime Biscuits.

 Enjoy.

Jamaican Lime Biscuits

• 1 2/3 cup (250g) plain flour
  1 teaspoon baking powder
  1/4 teaspoon salt
  1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  185 gram unsalted butter, at room temperature
  1 cup (220g) caster sugar
  1 tablespoon lime rind, finely grated
  2 tablespoon lime juice

Spice mix

• 1/3 cup (75g) caster sugar
  1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• STEPS:
• 1.  Preheat oven to 180°C. Line 2 baking trays with baking paper.
• 2
  Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon.
• 3
  Using an electric mixer, cream butter, sugar and lime rind together in a large bowl, until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in lime juice.
• 4
  Fold in flour mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, to form a pliable dough.
• 5
  Mix Spice Mix ingredients on a plate. Form walnut-sized balls of dough and roll in Spice Mix. Arrange 3cm apart on prepared trays. Flatten lightly using base of a glass.
• 6
  Bake for 15-20 minutes, until bases are golden and edges colour. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.