My mom or aunt would get an Easter Bun before every Easter holiday. They would buy it about a week before Good Friday and all the kids had to painstakingly wait in agony until the first slice was cut before we could enjoy. I’d wait for the slice with the cherry in it, sandwich two good sized slices between Tastee’s canned cheese and we’d all sit around the table and nibble at our bun and cheese while chatting it up with each other. We’d eat slowly because the Easter Bun loaf would pretty much be served up for the whole house and once it was done, no more.
It’s a tradition we still keep up, even though we’re a smaller family; one bun can last us a few days, but once it’s done, it’s done. Some people bake their own, but I like to buy ready-made. And now, I can get my bun delivered to me! Ms. Cherry’s Rum Cakes is a bakery based in Florida owned by Chef Debbie making traditional Rum Cakes and Easter Buns, made to order, all year round. Named after her mother, Ms. Cherry, Chef Debbie remains connected to the baking experience with her mom and her Chinese-Jamaican roots carrying on the legacy of Caribbean sweet treat traditions in her mom’s honor.
Cheryl (or “Cherry”, our namesake) is the youngest of 13 children born and raised in Spanish Town Jamaica. She learned the fundamentals of running a bakery from an early age. Her father owned and operated Sunrise Bakery that specialized in traditional Caribbean baked goods. Her daughter Chef Debbie always felt a strong connection to her roots, and being of Chinese-Jamaican descent and felt the importance of carrying on the Jamaican culture that she was so happily immersed in as a child.
Easter traditions are plentiful throughout the Caribbean. Rooted in the end of Lent season, most Caribbean folks start Good Friday, eat fish (steamed of fried), bun and cheese, hot crossed buns, enjoy church and family over the Christian holiday, ending Sunday with a Sunday dinner feast!
The requirements of a good bun? Softness, smells fresh, just enough raisins, cherry’s and a nice brown shiny glaze so you know it’s real, Ms. Cherry’s Rum Cakes meets the requirements.
I partnered with Miss Cherry’s Rum Cakes for this sponsored post. Opinions are my own
Mikelah
Mikelah is a Caribbean Culture expert, curating the bridge between the Caribbean and its diaspora. A CUNY Baruch College graduate with a BBA in Marketing. With previous experience with Caribbean lifestyle brands such as VP Records, Tempo TV and JAMROCK Magazine. Currently serving as a digital marketing maven by day, while continuing to collaborate with Caribbean brands.
Follow Me:
Sweet memories bun & cheese! Yes!