Easy Johnny Cake
Easy Johnny Cake Recipe - Classic American Delight
Introduction
Johnny Cake, also known as journey cake or hoecake, is a traditional cornmeal-based bread that has been enjoyed for centuries. This easy Johnny Cake recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish.
History
Johnny Cake has its roots in Native American cuisine, where cornmeal was a staple ingredient. The dish was later adopted by early European settlers in America and has since become a beloved comfort food in many households.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of cornmeal
- 1 cup of unbleached flour
- 1.5 tsp of baking soda
- 1 tsp of sea salt
- 4 tbsp of sugar
- 2 cups of soymilk with 2 tsp of white vinegar mixed in
- 2 tbsp of light, natural oil
How to prepare
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
- In a bowl, sift together the cornmeal, flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk together the soymilk, vinegar, and oil until frothy.
- Pour the liquid mixture into the dry mixture and lightly stir until just moistened.
- Lightly oil a pan (9x9” square, 8” round, or 12 muffin tins) and fill it one-half to two-thirds full.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes (20 minutes for muffins) until the edges are brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cut into squares or wedges and serve warm.
Variations
- Add a handful of fresh corn kernels to the batter for added sweetness and texture.
- Mix in some chopped herbs or spices like thyme, rosemary, or chili powder for a flavor boost.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to preheat your oven to the correct temperature to ensure even baking.
- Sifting the dry ingredients together helps to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
- Mixing the wet ingredients vigorously helps to create a frothy mixture that will add airiness to the Johnny Cake.
- Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough and dense final product.
Serving Suggestions
Johnny Cake is delicious served warm with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey. It pairs well with savory dishes like chili or stew.
Cooking Techniques
Baking the Johnny Cake in a preheated oven ensures even cooking and a golden brown crust.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use buttermilk or regular milk instead of soymilk in this recipe.
- If you don't have cornmeal, you can use polenta or corn flour as a substitute.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately and mix them together just before baking to save time.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the Johnny Cake on a rustic wooden board or plate for a charming presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Johnny Cake pairs well with a variety of dishes, including barbecue, fried chicken, or grilled vegetables.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Johnny Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes until warm.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of this Johnny Cake recipe contains approximately 200 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of this Johnny Cake recipe contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of this Johnny Cake recipe contains approximately 6 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of this Johnny Cake recipe contains approximately 3 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Johnny Cake is a good source of iron and magnesium, thanks to the cornmeal used in the recipe.
Alergens
This Johnny Cake recipe contains gluten from the unbleached flour. It may also contain soy if using soymilk.
Summary
This Johnny Cake recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Summary
This easy Johnny Cake recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side or snack. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up a batch of Johnny Cake in no time.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Easy Johnny Cake. It was a sunny day in the middle of summer, and I had just finished helping my neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, with her garden. As a token of her appreciation, she handed me a folded piece of paper with a big smile on her face.
"I thought you might like to try making this," she said. "It's a recipe for Johnny Cake, a classic southern dish that my grandmother used to make. I know you enjoy cooking, so I thought you might like to give it a try."
I thanked Mrs. Jenkins profusely and tucked the recipe into my apron pocket before heading back home. As soon as I walked through the door, I pulled out the recipe and read it over carefully. The ingredients were simple and the instructions seemed straightforward. I couldn't wait to try it out.
The next day, I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. I mixed together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl, then added the milk and melted butter. The batter came together easily, and I poured it into a greased baking dish before popping it into the oven.
As the Johnny Cake baked, the sweet aroma filled the kitchen, reminding me of lazy summers spent at my grandmother's house. She was the one who first sparked my love for cooking, teaching me how to make traditional dishes like this one with patience and love.
When the timer dinged, I pulled the Johnny Cake out of the oven and marveled at how golden and delicious it looked. I couldn't resist cutting myself a slice and taking a bite. The cake was moist and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness. It tasted like home.
I knew I had to share this recipe with my own family, so I invited them over for dinner that night. As we sat around the table, I proudly presented the Easy Johnny Cake I had made. My family's eyes lit up as they took their first bites, savoring the familiar flavors.
"Where did you learn to make this, Grandma?" my granddaughter asked, her mouth full of cake.
I smiled, thinking back to Mrs. Jenkins and the kindness she had shown me.
"I learned it from a dear neighbor," I replied. "But the real credit goes to my grandmother, who taught me everything I know about cooking."
As we enjoyed our meal together, I felt grateful for the recipes and traditions that had been passed down through the generations. Cooking, for me, was not just about following instructions in a cookbook. It was about connecting with the past and creating memories with loved ones.
From that day on, Easy Johnny Cake became a staple in my kitchen. Whenever I made it, I couldn't help but think of Mrs. Jenkins and my grandmother, who had both played a part in bringing this delicious dish into my life.
And so, with each bite of Johnny Cake, I carried on the legacy of those who had come before me, sharing the joy of cooking and the love that went into every recipe.
Categories
| American Recipes | Cornbread Recipes | Cornmeal Recipes | Egg-free Recipes | Lactose-free Recipes | Quick And Easy Side Dishes | Soy Milk Recipes |