Southern Style Cornbread

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening (for skillet)
• 2 cups yellow cornmeal
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Optional: 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 eggs (beaten)
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter (melted)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 F.
2. Put the oil in a 10-inch iron skillet and place in the oven to preheat.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, soda, and sugar, if using.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and butter.
5. Combine wet with dry ingredients and stir until all ingredients are moistened. The batter will be similar to a thick pancake batter.
6. With heavy oven mitts, lift skillet out and turn to coat the bottom and sides with oil.
7. Pour the cornbread batter into the skillet and return it to the oven.
8. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, until browned.