Rosie’s Guava Duff

What kind of stuff is duff? Good question! Have you ever heard of figgy pudding? Interchange pudding with duff and you’ve got figgy duff! Duff is just a flour pudding that is boiled in a cloth bag & served to everyone’s delight! In the Bahamas, guava is plentiful &  full of vitamins and minerals, making it a staple in many households. The most well-known guava dessert is guava duff, originating from the days of British colonization.

When it comes to cooking guava duff in the islands, everyone puts their own flair on the traditional recipe. This is one of Andros South’s chefs, Rosalie’s recipe.

Dough Ingredients:

• Fresh or canned guava* 
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 4 cup flour
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ cup butter softened
• ¾ cup milk

*If using fresh guava, be sure to remove all the seeds

Instructions:

1. Mix the above ingredients together. You are looking for a dough that is not too wet, with a good texture that you are able to knead. If you find your dough to be too dry, add a little guava juice for a nice pink color and extra flavor.
2. Roll out the dough flat. 
3. Dice up the guava meat.  
4. Spread diced guava all over the top of the dough and then knead it again so the pieces of guava chunks are throughout the dough. (This way you get guava pieces in every bite.)

Note: Some bakers just spread the guava on top of the dough & then roll it into a log, more like a cinnamon roll. It is all personal preference. 

5.  Divide the dough into 2 or 4 sections, depending on what size logs you want. Then roll each of the dough sections into a ball and work it into a log form, be sure to seal the edges. Put the completed logs in a piece of wax paper and then foil. 
6. You will then put it in a pot to boil. Not too much water to cover it, just enough for steam. You can also use a double boiler.
7. The dough is done when the log is doubled in size, about an hour. You can also check by inserting a toothpick into the middle. If the toothpick comes clean, it’s done.

Sauce: Ingredients:

• Guava meat
• Butter
• Condensed Milk

Guava Sauce Instructions:

1. Blend the above ingredients for the sauce until smooth, you want it nice & creamy. Add more or less condensed milk to your desired sweetness. Some people like to add cream cheese in their frosting as well. 
2. Add a splash of coconut rum, to really bring out that island flavor. 
3. Cut into about 1″ thick slices & serve warm drizzled with the rum sauce. 
4. Be sure to enjoy it with friends!

Pro Tip: Feel free to substitute mango or other local fresh fruit in for the guava! Use what works!