Corn Bread. Mrs. A. C. Ault. Recipe

The history of cornbread dates back centuries and has deep roots in Native American cuisine. Native Americans were the first to cultivate and utilize corn as a staple food, and they discovered various ways to prepare it, including cornbread. Cornbread quickly became a fundamental part of their diet and later spread to other cultures.

Fun fact: Cornbread is a regional favorite in the United States, with different variations found across the country. The southern style of cornbread is typically made without sugar, while in the northern parts of the country, it is often sweeter.

Now, let's dive into the recipe for Mrs. A.C. Ault's delicious cornbread:

Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pints cornmeal
- ½ pint flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 heaping teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon lard
- 1 ¼ pints milk
- 2 eggs

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to a rather hot temperature.

2. In a large bowl, sift together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. This will help ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Add the lard to the dry ingredients and rub it in until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step helps to incorporate the fat into the mixture, resulting in a tender and moist cornbread.

4. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl and then add them to the dry ingredients.

5. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring the mixture. The batter should reach a moderately stiff consistency, which means it should be thick but still pourable.

6. Grease a baking dish or a cast-iron skillet and pour the batter into it. Smooth the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon.

7. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown on top and cooked through. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean, the cornbread is ready.

8. Once baked, remove the cornbread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Cornbread is best enjoyed warm.

Now that you have a delightful cornbread recipe to try, let's explore some other dishes that are similar in nature:

1. Hush Puppies: These deep-fried cornmeal fritters are a popular side dish in Southern cuisine. They are typically seasoned with onion, garlic, and various spices.

2. Corn Muffins: Similar to cornbread but in individual portion sizes, corn muffins are a great grab-and-go option. They can be sweet or savory, depending on your personal preference.

3. Corn Pudding: This dish combines corn kernels with a creamy custard-like mixture and is baked until set. It is often served as a side dish during holiday gatherings.

Whether you choose to make cornbread, hush puppies, corn muffins, or corn pudding, you can't go wrong with these corn-based delights. Enjoy the wonderful flavors and versatility of corn in these timeless recipes!