🍲 **Currant Roll (Currant Coll) 🥐**

Indulge in the delightful layers of this traditional Caribbean dessert, featuring a flaky pastry filled with sweet currants, brown sugar, and aromatic cinnamon. Perfect for tea time or as a sweet treat any time of the day!

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🌍 **What Is Currant Roll?**

Currant Roll, also known as Currant Coll, is a beloved Caribbean dessert characterized by its flaky pastry and rich filling of currants, sugar, and spices. This dessert is often enjoyed with a cup of tea and is a staple in many Caribbean households, celebrated for its comforting flavors and delightful texture.

🧾 **Ingredients**

**Base:**

- 3 cups all-purpose flour (or self-rising flour)

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 cup chilled butter, cubed

- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening

**Optional:**

- 1.5 cups dried currants

- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

- 1/4 cup brown sugar

- 1 stick of melted butter (for brushing)

- 1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

- Granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

👩‍🍳 **Step-by-Step Instructions**

1. **Make the Pastry:**

- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.

- Add the cubed chilled butter and vegetable shortening.

- Pulse the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

- Transfer the mixture to a floured surface and knead gently for about 1 minute.

- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.

2. **Prepare the Filling:**

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- In a bowl, mix the dried currants, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar until well combined.

3. **Roll Out the Dough:**

- After chilling, remove the dough from the fridge and divide it into two equal pieces.

- On a floured surface, roll out one piece into a rectangle about 1/8 inch thick.

4. **Assemble the Roll:**

- Brush the rolled-out dough generously with melted butter.

- Sprinkle half of the currant filling evenly over the surface, leaving about 1/2 inch from the edges.

- Starting from the narrow end, tightly roll the dough into a log.

- Pinch and tuck the edges to seal.

5. **Prepare for Baking:**

- Place the rolled dough seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

- Repeat the rolling and filling process with the second piece of dough.

- Brush the tops with the egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar.

6. **Bake:**

- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

- Bake for 50 minutes or until golden brown.

- Allow the rolls to cool for about 30 minutes before slicing.

🍽️ **How to Serve**

Slice the currant rolls on the diagonal and serve warm or at room temperature. Pair with a cup of tea for a delightful treat!

💡 **Pro Tips**

- Ensure all ingredients, especially the butter, are cold to achieve a flaky texture.

- If you prefer a richer flavor, feel free to increase the amount of butter in the pastry.

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- For added sweetness, consider drizzling a simple icing over the cooled rolls.

🔥 **Why You’ll Love This**

This Currant Roll is not only a feast for the senses with its enticing aroma and beautiful layers, but it also brings a taste of the Caribbean to your kitchen. The combination of sweet currants, warm cinnamon, and a flaky crust makes it an irresistible dessert that will impress family and friends alike!