Since yesterday was Independence Day here in Barbados, Loop Barbados has decided to feature a post on the one and only conkie. These traditional corn based Barbadian delicacies are made during the month of November so as to celebrate our very special Independence. Just to give you all a little history the Ghanaian “kenkey” is probably the origin of the local word, conkie. In Ghana, "kenkey" refers to similarly prepared corn meal dishes. Prior to independence, the eating of conkies were associated with the British Colonial Celebration - Guy Fawkes Day. This sweet dish can be eaten as a meal or a snack and its main ingredients are pumkin, cornmeal, coconut, along with various spices. Once prepared, the conkie is then wrapped in a banana or fig leaf and steamed.
So if you are in Barbados around Independence time, you must try our celebratory Bajan delicacy- The Conkie!
Melanie & Kimberly*
