Home cooks win honours in Independence culinary contest

Two proud Bajans have cooked their way to victory in the Food & Rum X Independence competition, part of the Barbados Food & Rum Festival, impressing judges with their creativity and passion for Barbadian cuisine.

The winner was Cola @itscolaaaaa, whose Cou Cou, Flying Fish and okra dish captured tradition, storytelling and heart. “Cooking has always been part of my daily life,” she said. [My mother] always cooks every day, so it was either learn to cook or be on your own,” she laughed. “So, I learned. Every day she’d teach me to do something new.”

Her dedication earned her first place and two tickets to the premium event, Barbados Food & Rum Festival: Liquid Gold.

Faith Joseph @faith_ann102 took second place with her Pumpkin Pancakes, a creative twist inspired by a love of locally grown produce. “Honestly, what inspired it was my love for locally grown food,” she explained. “I grew up on soup – that was my original idea – but I didn’t have enough time. So I thought, what do I love to eat? Pancakes. And I’ve made pumpkin pancakes before, so I decided to do that.

“Pumpkin is a staple in everyday meals all year round. I just wanted to showcase that in a different way.”

Joseph won two tickets to another Barbados Food & Rum Festival event, Rise & Rum.

Both winners received their prizes courtesy of the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) and Barbados Food & Rum Festival, recognising home-cooked talent and taste.

(TM)