Traditional Bajan Recipes

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONKIES-  another corn based delicacy that dates back to the 18th century. It is made and eaten almost exclusively during the month of November ! Originally it was made to be eaten during the old British colonial celebration of Guy Fawkes Day on November 5th; but in modern Barbados it is eaten during Independence Day celebrations -November 30th..

    INGREDIENTS

  • 1 large dry coconut, grated
  • ¾ lb grated pumpkin
  • ½ lb grated sweet potato
  • ¾ lb sugar
  • 1 tsp spice
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp almond essence
  • 4 ozs. raisins
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 cups corn flour or corn meal
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 ozs. melted butter or margarine
  • 2 ozs. melted shortening
  • 1 cup milk
  • Banana or plantain leaves cut in 8 inch squares

    METHOD
  • Mix the coconut, pumpkin, sweet potato, sugar, spices, almond essence, raisins, flour, corn flour, and salt together thoroughly. With a wooden spoon, stir in the melted butter, shortening and milk and mix until smooth.
    Place 2 heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto each plantain leaf square, fold the edges to make a neat envelope and tie securely.
    Steam the conkies on a rack over boiling water in a large saucepan, or in a steamer, for about 1 hour or until they are firm.
    Unwrap the conkies and serve on a heated dish.