turning cornmeal into delicacies :)

I make some amazing chili.  Seriously- everyone loves it :)

I've always used Jiffy Cornbread mix, but I've always wanted to make it homemade.

Something about homemade just makes it warm and comforting!

So here is a GREAT cornmeal recipe:

Ingredients:
*1 cup all purpose flour
*1 cup yellow cornmeal
*2/3 cup white sugar
*1 teaspoon salt
*3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
*1 egg
*1 cup buttermilk
*1/3 cup vegetable oil
*honey (optional)

(I did saute corn in a saucepan with a tablespoon butter and brown sugar.  If you like texture in your cornmeal this is a great add.  I however, like smooth cornbread so if I do this again I will put it in a food processor to puree it,)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray or lightly grease a 9in round cake pan.  I used a rectangle stoneware pan and it was magnifico!
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, and baking powder.  Stir in egg, milk and vegetable oil until well combined.  (this is where you'd want to add the sauteed corn if desired).  Pour into prepared pan.
3.  Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. 
4.  Drizzle honey over the top!

If you use a stone baking pan you will get a really nice crisp outside with a soft, fluffy inside!!


Here's a variation for some great muffins!  I recommend making a batch and putting it in the freezer.  Pull a couple out at night to thaw and in the morning it will be a delicious breakfast!


Berry Cornmeal Muffins
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup granulated white sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Zest of a lemon
1 cup fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, mixed berries)

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 cup (240 ml) milk

1/4 cup (60 ml) safflower, corn, or canola oil

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

*Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Position rack in center of oven. Butter or spray with a non stick cooking spray 12 - 2 3/4 x 1 1/2 inch muffin cups. Can also line with paper liners.
*In a large bowl combine the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. 
*In a separate bowl combine 2 tablespoons of this mixture with the berries.
*In a large measuring cup or bowl whisk together the egg, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. 
*With a rubber spatula fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir only until the ingredients are combined. Gently stir in the berries. Do not over mix the batter or tough muffins will result. 

*Evenly fill the muffin cups with batter, using two spoons or an ice cream scoop. Sprinkle with the white sugar. Place in the oven and bake until lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean, about 15 - 20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for about 5 minutes before removing from pan. 

Makes 12 regular sized muffins.

Note: If using frozen berries you may have to bake the muffins a little longer than the stated time.