Food Affairs of Barbados is proud to host an event at Sandalo, the recently appointed luxury beachfront luxury villa owned by John and Stephanie Hawkins, who also reside in Berkshire, England. The guests of honor were British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie and their family, who have made Barbados their family vacation destination for the past four years. The relaxed poolside setting with a moonlit ocean view, accompanied by the soothing sounds of live entertainment, provided the perfect backdrop for this casual and elegant event.

Among the delicacies served were our Bajan fish cakes, popular across the island, and a huge success at Sandalo. These fish cakes are easy to make and perfect for a lavish social dinner or soccer party. Try them with our homemade Bajan Tartar Sauce

Ingredients:

1 cup finely chopped onions

1 cup of sweet pepper finely chopped

½ cup whole corn kernels, drained

½ cup chives or chives, chopped

1 scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and diced, or 1 tablespoon Bajan pepper sauce

1 cup sifted flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons melted butter

2 tablespoons oil plus oil for frying

1 egg, lightly beaten

½ cup of milk

1 pound of salted cod, cooked and shredded

Addresses:

Soak the salted cod in water for at least 4 hours, and preferably overnight, changing the water a minimum of three times.

In a heavy skillet, heat the oil and sauté the onions and bell pepper until soft. Set aside. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt / pepper into a bowl. Make a hole in the center and pour in the egg, milk and butter and mix lightly. Stir in the cooked onions, sweet peppers, hot pepper, corn, chives, and fish. The dough should be thick and slightly lumpy. If the dough is too watery, add sifted flour to achieve the desired consistency.

In a large deep skillet or deep fryer, heat the cooking oil to a temperature of 340 degrees F. Drop the batter by the tablespoon into the hot oil, but do not pile up. Cook until golden brown and drain on paper towels. Fish cakes can be kept warm in a 250 degree F oven until ready to serve. Serve with Bajan tartare or sweet chili sauce.

Chef’s Note: Dip the spoon into the hot oil to coat each time to prevent the batter from sticking to the spoon.

Bajan Tartar Sauce

½ cup of whole mayonnaise

2 tablespoons mustard

2 tablespoons sweet seasoning drained

1 tablespoon of parsley finely chopped

1 tablespoon onion finely chopped

Bell pepper puree go down to taste

a pinch of sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and chill for at least an hour before serving.