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### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Batter:**
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar (if using), baking powder, and salt. Stir well to combine.
2. **Mix Wet Ingredients:**
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter (or oil).
3. **Combine Wet and Dry:**
Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. The batter should be thick but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more buttermilk to reach the desired consistency.
4. **Heat the Oil:**
In a cast-iron skillet or heavy frying pan, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan by about 1/4 inch. Heat the oil over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking.
5. **Fry the Cornbread:**
Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Use a spoon or spatula to flatten each spoonful slightly. Fry the cornbread cakes for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. **Drain and Serve:**
Once golden and crispy, remove the cornbread from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
7. **Enjoy:**
Serve hot with your favorite meal, or enjoy them on their own with a drizzle of honey or a little butter.
### Tips for Perfect Fried Cornbread
– **Use the right pan**: A cast-iron skillet is ideal for frying cornbread. It heats evenly and gives the cornbread a beautiful crispy texture.
– **Adjust the heat**: If your oil is too hot, the cornbread will burn on the outside before cooking through. Keep the heat at medium to medium-low for the best results.
– **Don’t overcrowd the pan**: Make sure there’s enough space between each piece of cornbread so they can fry evenly.
– **Get creative**: Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can experiment by adding ingredients like chopped onions, jalapeños, or even cheese to the batter for added flavor.
### Why This Recipe Is a Keeper
Fried cornbread is comfort food at its finest. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect dish for almost any occasion. Whether you’re serving it alongside chili, enjoying it with a hearty soup, or just snacking on it with some honey butter, this recipe will surely become a family favorite.
So, don’t let this one slip away—hold on to this fried cornbread recipe and share it with others. It’s a culinary tradition you won’t want to lose!
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