Southern Cornbread

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1 1/2 cup white cornmeal ((or yellow cornmeal))
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg (, lightly beaten)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 425F/220C.

2. 2

   Add the shortening to a 10-inch (25cm) cast iron skillet.

3. 3

   Place the skillet in the oven to melt the fat and heat the skillet.

4. 4

   In a bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, baking soda, baking powder and salt.

5. 5

   Remove the skillet from the oven.

6. 6

   Pour the fat from the skillet into the cornmeal mixture and stir.

7. 7

   Incorporate half of the buttermilk and add the egg to the cornmeal mixture. Add more buttermilk as needed to make a thick batter. Fold ingredients without beating the batter.

8. 8

   Pour the cornmeal mixture into the hot skillet.

9. 9

   Place in the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. 10

    Remove the skillet from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Cut in wedges.