Conkies

Conkies are a cherished sweet treat in the West Indies, made from a delightful blend of cornmeal, coconut, sweet potato, raisins, and pumpkin. Traditionally, this mixture is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection.

In Barbados, conkies have an intriguing history. They were originally linked to the British colonial celebration of Guy Fawkes Day on November 5. Today, however, Barbadians savor them during their Independence Day festivities on November 30.

In Saint Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago, there is a similar dish called "paime." In Saint Lucia, paime is particularly popular during Creole Day (Jounen Kwéyòl), which occurs on the last Sunday of October each year.

Whether it's conkies or paime, these delightful steamed treats are a treasured part of Caribbean culinary traditions.