Southern Cornbread

Southern Cornbread

Here is a classic unsweetened Southern cornbread that is perfect for a round or rectangular loaf, a savory stuffing and corn sticks.  For savory variations, stir into the batter a generous handful of crumbled crisp bacon or cut corn kernels, some minced fresh jalapenos or chopped scallions or a cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. 

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 Cups Coarse Ground Yellow Cornmeal

3/4 Cup Unbleached Flour

3/4 Teaspoon Salt

2 Teaspoons Baking Powder

2 Beat Eggs

1/2 Cup Buttermilk

1 Cup Milk

3 Tablespoons Melted Unsalted Butter

Preheat your oven to 375° F.  Grease a 2 quart glass baking dish.  In a large size bowl, stir together the cornmeal, flour, salt and baking powder.  In a separate medium size bowl, beat the eggs with the buttermilk and milk.  Add the egg mixture to the cornmeal mixture and stir together until just moistened.  The batter should be slightly lumpy.  Stir in the melted butter.  Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 minutes until the top is golden brown.  Remove from the oven and allow the cornbread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before cutting it into squares and serving.  If you are using it for stuffing, let the cornbread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a large baking sheet.  Using your fingers, crumble the cornbread into coarse bits.  Spread the crumbles out on the baking sheet and allow them to air dry for 2 hours.  Then prepare the stuffing or store the cornbread in a plastic bag for up to 2 days.  Serves 8 or makes 2 quarts crumbled.