Conkie
By: Desiree Mellon
Published: Thursday, December 10, 2009 - 3:25pm

Ingredients




2 cups corn flour
1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 pounds finely-grated pumpkin
6 ounces margarine or shortening, melted
1/2 pound sweet potato (optional)
3 cups grated coconut
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
4 ounces raisins (optional)
3/4 pound brown sugar
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon spice
1 teaspoon freshly-grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon almond essance
banana, plantain or fig leaves

Preparation

1 Combine coconut, sweet potato and pumpkin. Add sugar, spices, flour, corn flour, salt and raisins.
 2 Beat Egg and add to mixture; add milk, margarine and almond essence.
  3 Place 2 to 3 heaping tablespoons in the center of each banana leaf
Fold the leaf neatly around the mixture, being careful not to tear the leaf.
 4 Steam conkies until firm to the touch.

About


A corn based delicacy common in the Caribbean Islands that dates back to the 18th century. It goes by many names and is believed to have come from Africa. On the island of Barbados it is traditionally eaten during independence celebrations in the month of November. Conkies are often wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. Some islanders use it as a dessert while others serve it with stewed Salt Fish (Salt Cod).

Comments:
Sheri Wetherell

How delicious sounding!!