Third World "Cinnamon N Raisin Biscuits"

Can a country with Wal-Mart, Apple Stores and Starbucks still be considered “3rd World”? Costa Rica has grown tremendously in the 2 short years that I have been living here full-time. Escazu, the “Beverly Hills of CR, has always had a ton of “gringo” stores & restaurants, but now you can find American & European stuff all over. My family and I live “donde el diablo perdió su chaqueta”, which back home is the equivalent of the boondocks. Even out here there is McDonalds, KFC, Wal-Mart, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Apple, and Auto Mercado. It’s always exciting to see new businesses opening up all over CR. Needless to say I was thrilled when the Tico Times announced the arrival of Carl’s Jr!

I grew up with parents who were not chefs, heck they weren’t even decent cooks. My sister and I got our meals primarily from drive-thrus and delivery guys. Wednesdays there was “Wags”, the truck stop with the best grilled cheese ever. My Paw-Paw worked at a BBQ spot, so that was always in the rotation. Shoney’s, Ryan’s Buffet, Chinese delivery, McDonalds, Pizza delivery, and Wendys, were pretty popular with my family too. For breakfast though nothing beat Hardee’s. They had this “Cinnamon N Raisin” biscuit that was my absolute favorite. I cant tell you how many times I had an O.J., large order of “hash rounds”, and one of those biscuits for breakfast.

Now back to Carl’s Jr. They are owned by the same parent company as Hardee’s. So hearing of their debut in CR. I got all nostalgic for one of those biscuits. I got to work in my kitchen and hooked up my version of these warm & wonderful delights.

List O’ Stuff

Biscuits

4 Cups of Self-rising Flour

 3/4 Cup of Shortening

2 Cups of Milk or Buttermilk

2 Teaspoons of baking powder

1 Teaspoon of salt

1 Teaspoon of Baking Soda

1⁄3 Cup of Sugar

3 Teaspoons of Cinnamon

1 Cup of raisins

Icing

2 1/2 Cups of Powdered Sugar

6 Tablespoons of Milk

* If icing isn’t your thing, you can use a drizzle of honey!

How To

• Mix flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and sugar.
• Use a fork to blend in shortening until it is a fine mixture.
• Add 2 cups of milk/buttermilk and mix
• Add in raisins and mix some more.
• Add cinnamon and swirl it through the batter using a knife. Don’t over mix the batter.
• On a well floured surface place the batter.
• Flour the top of the batter and pat down to about 1/2 inch thick.
• Cut into 2 inch circles and put onto a greased baking pan
• Bake at 400ºF for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
• Once the biscuits are done, remove from the oven and allow to cool a bit.
• While cooling, whip up your icing by combining the powdered sugar and milk. Add the milk one tablespoon at a time until its the consistancy you like.
• Grab a cup of hot tea and have a “civilized moment”. Be sure to hold your pinky out!

Tico Tidbit #1: This will not be beneficial to those on a diet

Want some McDonald’s French fries? Don’t front like you do not want em. Heck, I know I wouldn’t turn down any. Those golden, delicious, perfectly salted, sticks of culinary excellence are AMAZING. Now imagine that those could be delivered to your door along with a Big Mac, Coke, and even a pineapple pie or some Happy Meals for the kids! Yup all that and more is available in Costa Rica.

I was so confused when I first saw a motorcycle zooming by me with a “McDonalds” Hotbox on the back. I just didn’t get it. Then I thought back to all the times my family and I would ride by a McDonalds or hit up the drive-thru. There is a picture of a motorcycle next to a phone number. Stupid me never put it together. They have “Servicio Express”! The delivery fee is about $1 or $2 extra depending on the distance. The delivery guy doesn’t expect a tip but giving a little something is appreciated!

Back in the states I was used to getting pizza or Chinese food delivered, but never fathomed a “quarter pounder” showing up at the front door upon request. In CR it is pretty common for “Soda’s” and “Fast Food Restuants” to deliver. Sodas are usually a combo of a restaurant & convenience store and sometimes it will double as a bar or club. The food is really affordable and tasty. They are everywhere down here. Yet another reason I love Costa Rica.

Oh and in case you are #Team Burger King or if you are one of those healthy folks who prefer Subway, don’t worry. They deliver too!