West Virginia Cornbread Food

WEST VIRGINIA CORNBREAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray the inside of a 13 x 9" baking pan with cooking spray. OR-- Put a few tablespoons of butter in a large cast iron skillet and place in the oven to preheat with the oven.
• In a medium-sized bowl, stir together the dry ingredients; cornmeal, sugar, salt, baking powder, and flour. Mix until well-blended.
• In a large bowl, add the vegetable oil, milk, and eggs. Beat with a mixer until blended.
• SLOWLY add the dry ingredients, mixing with the mixer just enough to incorporate all of the ingredients.
• Pour into the prepared baking pan. Bake at 375 degrees F. for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean and the cornbread is golden brown. If you used a cast iron skillet, check a few minutes earlier. Just in case...
• Cool 5 minutes before cutting, if you can wait.
• Enjoy with your favorite entree. =^..^=

BEANS AND CORNBREAD, PIONEER WOMAN

Steps:

• BEANS: Rinse beans in cool water; pour into a pot, cover with water by 2 to 3 inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer 2 hours, or until beans are tender. Add water to pot as needed. Beans should have a thick broth. Toward end of cooking time, add salt and pepper and season to taste. Don't over-salt. For a variety try adding chili powder, garlic or Tabasco. Serve in a bowl with cornbread. Can serve with small bowls of grated cheese, chopped onions, chopped fresh jalapenos, sour cream, and/or cilantro.
• CORNBREAD: Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Heat shortening in an iron skillet, muffin pan, or other baking pan. Combine corn meal, flour, and salt in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, milk, and egg. Add baking powder and baking soda. Stir. Add ¼ cup melted shortening, stirring constantly. Pour into hot pan, smoothing surface with spatula. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.