Jamaican Snacks that brings us back to yesteryears and provides comfort for today Pt. 1

One of my fondest memories of growing up in Jamaica was break time and lunch time at school. It was the time for camaraderie, fun and of course the feel good snacks.

I remember saving up money I get so that I can buy my snack of choice during break time/lunch time. Bonds and friendships were made with vendors at the school fence, most was like our second parents, aside from providing the snacks   whether we had money or not, they would often give words of encouragement, chastisement or a listening ear.

  For me personally there are so many memories that are linked to the snacks I grew up with, even though most would argue now that they're not good for you, I'll say in moderation they will always be my favorite snacks. Here's a few of my favorites and the memories they evoke.  

• Bun & Cheese: The Easter must have, lunch of champions, date food, mi nah cook tonight food, etc, etc. Just saying the phrase Bun & Cheese brings back so so many memories for all stages of my life. I remember it used to be just on special occasions, and as I move up in age it was buy it as you please. To this day, this iconic staple is used in my household as lunch and casual eating selection.

• Bulla: Enjoy with Pear(Avocado), butter, cheese and anything else you may want to pair it with. For me, this is a must have, between March and May 2020 this was my food of choice as I watched the world changed and I mourn the passing of my dad. I didn't really have an appetite, but I had an ample supply of Bulla due to a trip to Jamaica. Bulla was my "Lock Down Food" of choice.

• Patty: Whether Mild or Spicy, beef, chicken or any other flavor, this iconic staple brings a little piece of heaven to you wherever you are, a snack must have. I'm sure most of us have a memory of the first time we got that patty burn, it burn so hot, but it was so good, lol. This is one food item that will always serve to keep the memory of my childhood and my culture alive.

• Banana Chips: This staple was and still is a must have. Oh the joys it brings. It was one of the snacks that could share for many and you don't mind, because it just facilitated good vibes. Today I keep a supply in my car for when I'm stuck in traffic. Nothing like some good music and Banana chips to keep you mellow while you wait for your turn to drive. 

• Coconut Drops:  Brings back memories of playing in the school yard and stopping to take a bite of drops, or walking home from school deep in conversation and sharing drops among the crowd.

• Peanut Cake: Getting on a bus in Halfway Tree and buying Peanut Cake out the window was everything to me......It was one of the things I look forward to most, now that I think about it. Peanut cakes were not really readily available at my schools, but when they were it was a must have for me.

• Grater Cake: I loved the color of Grater Cakes and I liked to reserve that treat for special Occasions. It reminds me of when we had special events at church. The church ladies would make them and lay them out on the white table cloths and they just looked delectable. 

• Gizzarda: This snack was intriguing to me because of the pleated crust. I used to wonder how it made and wondered if I could ever make it one day ( I haven't risen to that challenge as yet). I loved to have this snack on standby for when there's a group. It breaks easily and shares well. If you're a coconut lover then you will understand everything about this snack.

• Jackass Corn: Excercise for the Jaws with some flavor as reward, this was often shared in the school yard at break time, one Jackass Corn shared for sometimes 3-4 people. We bit down with caution and enjoyed without inhibition.

• Police Button: My oh my, I think this is the first thing I bought on my own, and I used to go to Mass Manny Shop, because he gave me one more than the other shops. This treat will always bring back good memories for me, because this is a snack that's not enjoyed alone. There was always someone to say "Gimmie one a yuh Police Button", those were the days where real friendships were created and some turned into life long friendships.

To this day, wherever I am, you will find some must have snacks around me. 

• In the car, there's either Banana Chips, Drops, Peanut Cake or Tea Buscuit, this is to be enjoyed during traffic and to share with anyone who happens to be riding with me.

• In the Office, there's either Bulla,  Bun (most of the time without Cheese), Tea Biscuits, or Cheese Krunchies.

• At home there's always a wide variety. 

Check out my store www.jamaicanfoodswelove.com for actual authentic Jamaican feel good snacks.  

Let me know what your favorite snacks are and the memories they evoke for you. One Love

Cordell