The Virgin Islands are remarkable because of their cosmopolitan culture. First settled by Taino Indians, people from Britain, France and Denmark at one time or another ruled the islands. Dominated by descendants of slaves from Africa, the Virgin Islands now are a vibrant mixture of many cultures, including immigrants from other Caribbean countries, and many Americans from the continent. If you add in more than a million tourists from all over the world that visit the islands every year, you have the makings of a culinary stew as full of intrigue as it is flavor.
And, if you add the billionaires who arrive on their personal megayachts and expect nothing but the best food in the world, you know it is going to taste good.
We will be posting many indigenous recipes, along with reviews of the many restaurants and bars in the islands, but to start, here is a recipe for an easy, commonly made staple you will find here.
Fried Cornmeal Johnny Cakes
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
2 tablespoons melted shortening or margarine
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons sugar
Oil for frying
Sift together dry ingredients. Add melted shortening and blend together thoroughly. Add water gradually until pliable dough is formed. If necessary add a little more water. Need gently. Press balls flat, and fry in shallow fat until brown. Turn to second side and allow to brown. Remove from fat and drain on absorbent paper. Good hot or cold.
(Source: “Native Recipes” published by the Virgin Islands Cooperative Extension Service, Extension
Bulletin No. 1, February 1978)