Jiffy’s Kind of Iffy

I’m craving cornbread.

Yesterday I made these amazing pinto beans and David’s got some fabulous elk chili and it’s almost Thanksgiving and I’ve decided we need cornbread with tonight’s leftovers.

My grandmother always used Jiffy cornbread mix, so when we were at the grocery store, I took a look at what’s in the Jiffy cornbread mix and did not like what I saw. Way too many ingredients and hydrogenated whatever. No, thanks!

Then I remembered I had a homemade cornbread recipe that was great and all I needed was some corn meal, as I knew we had eggs, flour and milk.

So, when I got home, I started searching for the recipe that’s handwritten on a piece of paper from a few years ago. I have no idea where the recipe came from, but I couldn’t find it anywhere. I looked high and low, in this folder and in this binder of recipes. Nothing. Finally, I found it. And happy for another reason to be thankful.

I share this with you because it is almost Thanksgiving and everyone makes cornbread dressing, right? Plus, it’s super easy to make and it’s so much better than what you get out of a box. What’s also fun is you can feel free to add corn, chives, green onions, herbs, etc. that will enhance the cornbread or your cornbread dressing.

May your Thanksgiving be filled with love, peace, happiness, family, old traditions, new memories and lots of great food.

Buen provecho!

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Heather's Homemade Cornbread

This recipe has the right texture, is crisp and yet crumby, a perfect combination for cornbread. I have used it for the last few years and it's never failed me. Feel free to add some vegetables or corn to the batter for a colorful (and more nutritious) touch.

Course Bread, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword cornbread

Servings 6 - 8

Author The Cowgirl Gourmet

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup cornmeal I used organic corn meal
• 3/4 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup milk plus 2 tablespoons
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• 1 egg beaten
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for cast iron skillet or square glass dish

Instructions

1. Preheat cast iron skillet or oven-proof dish (approximately 9” round) in 400 degree oven for 10-15 minutes to get the skillet screaming hot.

2. In the meantime, place all dry ingredients (corn meal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and pepper) in a bowl and whisk to combine.

3. Add melted butter, milk and beaten egg and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until everything is incorporated. The batter will be thick.

4. Open oven and place 1 tablespoon butter in cast iron skillet and close oven until butter is melted and sizzling.

5. Remove cast iron skillet from oven, swirl the butter around so all surface area and sides are covered with butter and pour batter into pan. Spread the batter out with the back of a spatula. But don't worry if it doesn't look perfect, it will spread more as it cooks.

6. Return the skillet to the oven and cook for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

7. Remove from the oven. If using immediately, cut and serve with your favorite butter or vegan butter. If preparing to make cornbread dressing, allow to cool completely and then use.