Corn Bread. Mrs. C. H. Williams. Recipe

Cornbread is a beloved staple in many American households, especially in the Southern United States. With its rich history and warm, comforting taste, cornbread has become a classic recipe that is perfect for any occasion.

The origins of cornbread can be traced back to the Native Americans, who first cultivated corn thousands of years ago. They would grind the corn into a meal and use it as a staple ingredient in their daily meals. When European settlers arrived in America, they adopted this culinary tradition and began incorporating cornmeal into their own recipes. Over time, cornbread evolved into the delicious dish we know and love today.

One of the earliest recorded versions of a cornbread recipe comes from Mrs. C. H. Williams. Her recipe calls for a combination of sweet milk, wheat flour, Indian meal (cornmeal), sugar, salt, cream of tartar, and soda. These ingredients come together to create a moist and flavorful cornbread that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

To make Mrs. C. H. Williams' cornbread, follow these steps:

Ingredients:
- 2 cups sweet milk
- 1 egg
- 1 and 1/2 teacups wheat flour
- 2 teacups Indian meal (cornmeal)
- 2 tablespoonfuls sugar
- A little salt
- 4 teaspoonfuls cream of tartar
- 2 teaspoonfuls soda dissolved in warm water

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to a quick oven temperature.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet milk and egg. Mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the wheat flour, Indian meal, sugar, salt, and cream of tartar.
4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the milk and egg mixture. Mix until just combined.
5. Dissolve the soda in a small amount of warm water and add it to the batter. Mix well.
6. Grease your gem pans with butter or cooking spray.
7. Pour the batter into the gem pans, filling them about two-thirds full.
8. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Remove the cornbread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

This cornbread recipe is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, served with butter or honey. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, such as chili, barbecue, or even as a side with your favorite comfort food meals.

Fun fact: Cornbread has a rich cultural significance in the Southern United States. It is often served alongside barbecue, fried chicken, and other soul food dishes. In some families, cornbread recipes are passed down from generation to generation, creating a sense of tradition and nostalgia.

For the best results, it is recommended to use Darmody & McClures Premium Corn Meal with this recipe. This brand of cornmeal is known for its quality and can enhance the texture and taste of your cornbread.

If you enjoy cornbread, you may also be interested in trying similar dishes such as corn fritters or hush puppies. Corn fritters are fried balls of cornmeal batter mixed with corn kernels, while hush puppies are deep-fried cornmeal dumplings. Both of these dishes offer a unique and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of cornmeal.

In conclusion, cornbread is a versatile and beloved recipe that has stood the test of time. Mrs. C. H. Williams' recipe is a classic example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a flavorful and comforting dish. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bake a batch of homemade cornbread to enjoy with your loved ones.