How To Make Cornbread

Here's How:

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
2. Place 4 tablespoons of shortening in a cast iron skillet (or 9-inch square baking pan), and place the skillet in the oven to heat.
3. In a large bowl, beat 1 egg with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
4. Add 1 3/4 cups of buttermilk.
5. Stir in 2 cups of self-rising cornmeal mix.
6. Stir in about 2 tablespoons of the hot, melted shortening.
7. The batter should be creamy and pourable. If too thick, more buttermilk or a little water may be added.
8. Pour batter into the hot skillet.
9. Bake at 450 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Tips:

1. If you can't find self-rising cornmeal mix, use regular cornmeal with 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt per cup.
2. For a lighter cornbread, replace 1/2 cup of the meal with 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour.
3. Add a teaspoon or two of bacon grease to the shortening for flavor.

What You Need:

• heavy skillet
• 4 tbsp shortening
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 3/4 cups buttermilk