Baking Classics
The Technique
Buttermilk Cornbread
Buttermilk cornbread is just about as iconic as it gets when it comes down to authentic southern fare– if it is prepared properly. The first thing you should know is that it is not sweet in our region. Consider cornbread a stately wedge of comfort when slathered with softened butter that can enhance a cozy bowl of homemade soup instantly. Crumble into Mason jars for a delightful layered salad adorn with bacon, lettuce, tomatoes & cheese laced with a creamy buttermilk dressing. The simplicity & unassuming nature of very good cornbread makes it a Southern superstar especially around the dinner table. Pulling a cast iron skillet from the oven just before saying grace & presenting it to your family… quite simply the crowning jewel of any made from scratch supper. Follow my simple instruction for making this classic southern favorite & get ready to make your best batch of homemade cornbread to date.
Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Cornbread
makes 8 servings
Authentic southern cornbread doesn’t have sugar in it & starts with an heirloom cast iron skillet, generally passed down from generation to generation. Since this may not always be possible, start your own family tradition. Cast iron skillets make wonderful gifts & be sure to accompany with my easy recipe.
1/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cups plain yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp table salt
1 1/2 cups whole buttermilk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Dab a small amount of vegetable oil in the bottom & around the sides of a well-seasoned 8-inch cast iron skillet using a paper towel. Place the butter in the skillet & place in the oven for about 5 minutes or until the butter melts. Whisk together the cornmeal, the flour, the baking soda & the salt in a large bowl. Whisk in the buttermilk & the eggs just until blended. Remove the skillet from the oven. Whisk the melted butter into the cornmeal mixture. Pour the cornmeal mixture back into the hot cast iron skillet. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until set in the center. Loosen the edges with a small palate knife. Slice into wedges & serve with additional softened butter.
FROM THE KITCHEN OF BUTTERMILK LIPSTICK
{testing notes}
How To Make Southern-Style Cornbread
Buttermilk cornbread makes some weak in the knees & it is imperative that you learn to prepare it correctly. It isn’t difficult by any means but there are some definite no-nos. Beyond the accompaniment for hearty soups, stews & chili, cornbread serves as the basic foundation for Thanksgiving dressing. It can also be flavored a variety ways with minced jalapeño, Cheddar cheese or a smattering of herbs for a welcome update. As for the cast iron skillet, once the cornbread has baked, rinse it afterwards being certain not to use dish soap. Pat the skillet dry. Rub a bit of vegetable oil over the entire skillet. Invert the skillet & place in a warm oven for about 10 minutes or so to keep the non-stick properties in place. Look for my pointers on Cast Iron Skillet Care from seasoning to cleaning them properly.
The Technique
My recipe for buttermilk cornbread takes you back to the basics. To a time before self-rising mixes were born & bred on grocery aisle shelves for a distinctively clean taste. Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Cornbread can be whipped up at a moments notice using a handful of everyday pantry staples. I bet you have these ingredients already in your kitchen. If not, pick them up to have on the ready. Any way you slice it, buttermilk cornbread is the cast iron king. Here’s what you should know.
No. 2
The Ingredients
The Cornmeal, The Flour, The Leavening & The Salt
A few items from the cupboard will have you well on your way to making a skillet of cornbread. Plain yellow cornmeal, all-puropse flour, baking soda & regular table salt is all that is need in order to get started. You’ll have more control over the flavor if you blend your own ingredients as opposed to using self-rising items which are too salty for this cooking application. The buttermilk may react differently & produce off flavors as well since many are made with baking powder.
The Butter, The Buttermilk & The Eggs
Although butter is used in this recipe, bacon grease or duck fat can be substituted & always use whole buttermilk when preparing recipes for a richer flavor. Be certain to lightly beat the eggs before adding them to the batter to blend more efficiently.
No. 2
The Procedure
The Cast Iron Skillet
Start with a well-seasoned skillet for the best flavor. Swipe a little oil in the skillet so the cornbread releases easily. Place the butter in the skillet & deposit it into the oven to melt while you blend together the remaining ingredients.
The Blending
Use a fork to lightly beat the eggs in a separate bowl. Have the buttermilk measured ahead of time. Whisk together the dry ingredients in a large bowl & be certain the leavening is dispersed evenly throughout the mixture.
2a
Pour the buttermilk & the eggs over the cornmeal mixture.
2b
Begin blending the mixture together using the whisk.
2c
Whisk together the ingredients just until smooth. There may be a few lumps & that’s fine.
2d
Remove the cast iron skillet from the oven & pour the hot, melted butter over the cornmeal batter. Whisk the mixture until velvety smooth & pour it back into the skillet.
2e
The process is relatively quick. If all of the butter didn’t make it out of the hot cast iron skillet, it may push to the surface on the side of the pan. The cornbread will bake just fine. You will also notice the cooking process begins immediately around the edges of the hot skillet so quickly get it back into the oven.
No. 3
The Baking
Bake the cornbread as directed according to the recipe instructions. Brush the surface with melted butter, if desired. Allow the cornbread to stand a few minutes before slicing directly in the skillet or it can be inverted onto a cutting board. One recipe of the cornbread may be used to prepare Old-Fashioned Cornbread Dressing.
The Tune
“When The Sun Comes Out” Ella Fitzgerald
social butterfly
instagram: buttermilklipstick
facebook: Buttermilk Lipstick
twitter: Buttermilk Lipstick@ButtermilkLips
{college football} Rebecca Gordon@TidefanFare
pinterest: Buttermilk Lipstick
Rebecca Gordon
Be sweet.
Comments are closed.