Making the perfect gizzada, a traditional Jamaican pastry also known as pinch-me-round, requires precision, patience, and passion. Join Jamaican Canadian Youtuber Jammy’s Treats & Eats, as we discover the meticulous process of creating this delectable treat, from preparing the crust to filling it with a tantalizing coconut concoction.

To start, Jammy gathers her ingredients for the crust – flour, very cold butter, and a pinch of salt. The key to achieving the perfect short crust pastry lies in keeping everything ice-cold. She then meticulously rub the cold butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs, ensuring a flaky and tender texture.

Once the butter and flour are perfectly combined, it’s time to add ice-cold water to bring the dough together. With gentle hands, the dough is kneaded until it forms a cohesive ball, being careful not to over-knead. After wrapping it tightly in cling wrap, it rests in the fridge to allow the butter to solidify and the flavors to meld.

Meanwhile, attention is turned to the filling – freshly grated coconut combined with brown sugar and a medley of spices, including cinnamon and nutmeg. As the mixture simmers on the stove, the kitchen fills with the warm, comforting aroma of spices melding together.

Once the filling reaches the desired syrupy consistency, it is set aside to cool, allowing the flavors to intensify.

Returning to the chilled dough, she rolls it out to the perfect thickness, about half an inch, ensuring evenness throughout. With precision, she cuts out circles of dough and gently press them into small cups, creating the iconic gizzada crust.

Using a fork, delicate holes are made in the pastry to prevent it from puffing up during baking, ensuring a perfectly crisp crust. Now comes the fun part – filling each pastry shell with the aromatic coconut mixture, a labor of love that infuses each gizzada with irresistible flavor.

With meticulous care, she smooths the filling into each pastry shell, ensuring uniformity and neatness.

Finally, the gizzadas are placed into the oven, eagerly anticipating the moment when the kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked gizzada.

And then the main event arrives – golden-brown, flaky pastries filled with a luscious coconut filling, ready to delight the senses and transport you to the vibrant streets of Jamaica with every bite. Whether enjoyed as a sweet treat or shared with loved ones, gizzada embodies the rich culinary heritage and warm hospitality of Jamaica, making it a beloved favorite for generations to come.

Photo – Jammy’s Treats and Eats