New Orleans Skillet Baked Cornbread

Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon allspice
• 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground white pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
• 1 1/2 tablespoons shortening or bacon or sausage drippings (approx)

Directions

1. 1

   Place an iron skillet (or other baking dish) 2/3 full with water on the floor of your oven before preheating to achieve a crisp crust and moist interior.

2. 2

   Preheat oven to 425 degrees Sift dry ingredients together into a large mixing bowl.

3. 3

   Add egg, milk, and 1/4 cup shortening and beat with a wooden spoon until smooth, about 1 minute.

4. 4

   Grease an 8 or 9 inch skillet or heavy square baking pan with the shortening or bacon drippings.

5. 5

   Pour batter into pan and place in oven.

6. 6

   Bake 25-30 minutes until light golden brown on top.

7. 7

   To serve, take skillet to table and cut bread into wedges; top with butter and/or honey if desired.