Buttermilk Corn Bread

Makes on 8-inch square loaf

To create a nice crisp crust, butter the baking dish and preheat it before adding the batter.

Ingredients:

1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, melted, plus 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
1½ C all-purpose flour
1½ C yellow cornmeal
¼ C sugar
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1½ C buttermilk

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400°. Put the 2 tablespoons of butter in an 8-inch-square baking dish and put the dish in the oven to heat.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix the flour with the cornmeal, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl, mix the eggs and buttermilk; add to the dry ingredients along with the melted butter and stir just until combined.

Remove the hot baking dish from the oven and tilt to spread the butter evenly. Carefully scrape the batter into the baking dish and bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the corn bread comes out clean. Let cool in the baking dish for 10 minutes, then turn the corn bread out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Make ahead – The corn bread can be wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for 2 days or frozen for up to 1 week.