When times get hard, you try to save as much as you can to make sure no one will go hungry. My partner shared one of his family recipes with me, along with the importance of it to his family. It made me appreciate everything we have now and not take anything for granted.
Growing up on a Southern farm, life hasn’t always been easy for my partner. He started working on the family farm at the age of seven and took care of all the younger siblings and cousins. Corn was cheaper to grow than wheat, so his mother had to get creative with corn meals. Homemade cornbread was one of his favorite foods, because it kept him from feeling hungry when doing intensive labor work on the farm.
We decided to come up with our version of homemade cornbread. While keeping its Southern tradition in a cast iron skillet, we gave it a “healthy upgrade”. Our version included only natural ingredients, making it a healthy addition to any meal. In addition to its delicious taste, cornbread provides several nutritional benefits. The base ingredient, cornmeal, is rich in dietary fiber and essential vitamins like B-complex and iron. This recipe promotes good digestion and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels by using whole-grain cornmeal.
Our homemade cornbread came out beautifully with the perfect golden texture, moist on the inside with a crispy crust. I loved adding extra butter on the cake with an icing gun. It looked so much cuter with the decorative butter flowers and tasted so much creamier with the extra touch.
My partner and I couldn’t stop eating, so we decided to cut the cornbread into little pieces and pack them in Pyrex containers for the kids and surprise them when we go pick them up after school. The kids inhaled their treats in the car and the whole family ate more together at dinner. We shared stories on the farm with the kids and taught them to appreciate everything that they have. Be grateful to have a roof over their heads and food on the table. Things that they take for granted are precious to others.
The other night, I saw an old grandpa standing in a parking lot, his long hair and beard flapping in the cold wind. He was shivering in the cold. I decided to U-turn and give him some money for dinner and clothes. The kids kept asking me if we gave him enough for a good meal and clothes. I assured them that I did. I don’t own a house, I am still renting, but there are others who are homeless and in worse situations. I try to help whenever I can, and I feel blessed that the kids understand that success in life includes giving and helping others in need. Hope you will enjoy the delicious Southern homemade cornbread and appreciate everything that you have now. If you are reading this post, that means you are fortunate enough to have access to the internet. If you are eating, that means you are lucky enough to have food. Hope this recipe will inspire each one of us to try to help others in our own ways and make a difference in the world!
Perfectly Moist Homemade Cornbread: a Healthy, Delicious Treat
Description
This quick and easy homemade cornbread recipe delivers a soft, moist texture with a golden crust. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, it pairs perfectly with your favorite meals. Enjoy its subtly sweet flavor as a side dish or snack!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Gather Your Ingredients:
Start by gathering your ingredients: 1 cup of cornmeal, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, a pinch of salt, 2 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, and 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Having everything laid out makes the process smooth and quick.
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Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed, giving the cornbread a fluffy texture.
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Whisk Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined. This will be the liquid base that binds the cornbread batter.
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Combine Wet and Dry:
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry mixture, stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix, just enough to combine them into a smooth batter.
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Pour Batter into Pan:
Grease a cast iron skillet with butter or cooking spray, then pour the cornbread batter into the dish. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
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Bake the Cornbread:
Place the baking dish into a preheated oven at 400°F (190°C). Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Decorate:
Use a piping bag to create a decorative design in the center of the cornbread, such as a small rosette or swirl with room temperature butter. Carefully place edible flowers around the edges of the cornbread in a decorative pattern. You can alternate colors for a vibrant look or group them for a more classic appearance.
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Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the warm cornbread with a pat of butter, or drizzle with honey for an extra touch of sweetness. Perfect as a side dish or a snack on its own!
Equipment
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Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 190kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 9g14%
- Saturated Fat 5g25%
- Cholesterol 40mg14%
- Sodium 300mg13%
- Potassium 100mg3%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 4g8%
- Vitamin A 200 IU
- Vitamin C 0.61 mg
- Calcium 50 mg
- Iron 0.5 mg
- Vitamin D 1.03 IU
- Vitamin E 0.82 IU
- Vitamin K 1.78 mcg
- Thiamin 0.43 mg
- Riboflavin 0.1 mg
- Niacin 1 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.12 mg
- Folate 20 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.43 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 70 mg
- Magnesium 15 mg
- Zinc 0.5 mg
- Selenium 5 mcg
- Copper 0.1 mg
- Manganese 0.1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips for Making Perfect Cornbread:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh cornmeal and high-quality flour. This can significantly impact the texture and flavor of your cornbread.
- Preheat the Skillet: Heating your cast-iron skillet before pouring in the batter helps create a crispy crust, giving your cornbread that classic texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cornbread, so be gentle!
- Taste the Batter: Before baking, taste the batter and adjust the sweetness or seasoning to your preference. This is your chance to personalize the flavor!
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cornbread a few minutes before the recommended time. It should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
