A Favourite Trini Toolum

Toolum is a Caribbean treat made with molasses. This black, chewy, and sticky dessert is a favorite among children and adults alike. Toolum is a delightful Caribbean treat that is made with molasses. It’s a sticky, chewy, and black dessert that is enjoyed by both children and adults alike. The richness of its flavor and texture has made it a popular choice in the Caribbean, especially during festivities and celebrations.

Toolum is typically made with molasses, which is a byproduct of the sugar-making process. The molasses is boiled down and mixed with grated coconut, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mixture is then formed into small rectangular shapes and wrapped with banana leaves. The banana leaves not only add flavor but also help to give the dessert its distinct shape. The texture of toolum is what really sets it apart from other desserts. It’s chewy and sticky, yet has a satisfying crunch from the grated coconut.

The flavor is rich and sweet, with notes of spice from the ginger and cinnamon. While it may not be for everyone, those who love it can’t get enough. Toolum is often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions, but it’s also a popular snack throughout the year. It’s sold in local markets and street vendors across the Caribbean, and it’s also easy to make at home. Many families have their own unique recipes that

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time: 35 mins

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: creole

Servings: 4

Calories: 118 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup finely grated coconut
  • 3 tbsp molasses
  • 1 tsp. fresh ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp. dried orange peel broken into small pieces
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar

Instructions

  • Grate the coconut, preferably by hand. Grate the ginger. Break the dried orange peel into tiny pieces.
  • Place sugar in pot to liquify. Add grated coconut and molasses and mix thoroughly. Then add the ginger and orange peel and stir. Stir until the mixture leaves the side. Note: To maintain the colour without burning stir over a low fire.
  • Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a greased dish or pan. Form into balls. Note: Let the toolum cool a little. Then use the spoon first to roll the toolum before rolling it in your hands.
  • Allow to cool and harden.

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Recipe © Simply Trini Cooking. All rights reserved

Toolum

Toolum is a Caribbean treat made with molasses. This black, chewy, and sticky dessert is a favorite among children and adults alike.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: creole
Servings: 4
Calories: 118kcal
Author: Felix

Ingredients

  • 1 cup finely grated coconut
  • 3 tbsp molasses
  • 1 tsp. fresh ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp. dried orange peel broken into small pieces
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar

Instructions

  • Grate the coconut, preferably by hand. Grate the ginger. Break the dried orange peel into tiny pieces.
  • Place sugar in pot to liquify. Add grated coconut and molasses and mix thoroughly. Then add the ginger and orange peel and stir. Stir until the mixture leaves the side. Note: To maintain the colour without burning stir over a low fire.
  • Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a greased dish or pan. Form into balls. Note: Let the toolum cool a little. Then use the spoon first to roll the toolum before rolling it in your hands.
  • Allow to cool and harden.
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