Jalapeno Cornbread

Jalapeno Cornbread Recipe - A Flavorful Twist from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Jalapeno cornbread is a delicious and spicy twist on traditional cornbread. The combination of cornmeal, jalapenos, and cheese creates a flavorful and savory bread that is perfect for serving alongside chili or barbecue dishes.

History

Cornbread has been a staple in Southern cuisine for centuries, with recipes dating back to Native American tribes who first cultivated corn. The addition of jalapenos and cheese to cornbread is a more modern twist, adding a spicy kick and extra flavor to the traditional recipe.

Ingredients

1.25 cup yellow cornmeal
1.25 cup flour
1 level tablespoon baking powder
1 tsp salt
0.25 tsp paprika
1 tsp sugar
1 well-beaten egg
0.67 cup milk
0.5 cup evaporated milk
0.25 cup shortening
1 x 15 oz (425 g) can cream-style corn
4 tbsp butter
2 tbsp chopped onion
3 jalapeno chiles, chopped or diced
4 oz (113 g) can chopped green chiles
3 tbsp chopped pimento
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

How to prepare

In a large mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and paprika.
In a separate bowl, mix together egg, milk, shortening, and corn.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.
In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté onions, chiles, and pimento until the onions are tender.
Add the sautéed mixture to the rest of the ingredients.
Mix well, being careful not to overmix.
Add cheese and blend it in.
Butter an 8-inch square pan and pour the mixture into it.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and bake for 35 minutes.
Allow it to cool, then cut into serving pieces.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or sausage to the batter for extra flavor.
Substitute the cheddar cheese with pepper jack for a spicier kick.
Mix in a can of creamed corn for added moisture and sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough and dense cornbread.

- For extra heat, leave the seeds in the jalapenos when chopping.

- To make the cornbread more moist, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream to the batter.

- Serve the cornbread warm with a pat of butter for added richness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve jalapeno cornbread alongside a bowl of chili, barbecue dishes, or as a side dish for a Southern-inspired meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to preheat the oven before baking the cornbread to ensure even cooking.

- Use a toothpick to test for doneness - if it comes out clean, the cornbread is ready.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use vegetable oil or melted butter instead of shortening.

- If you don't have evaporated milk, you can use regular milk as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Jalapeno cornbread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve jalapeno cornbread on a wooden cutting board or in a cast iron skillet for a rustic presentation. Garnish with fresh jalapeno slices or chopped cilantro for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Jalapeno cornbread pairs well with dishes like chili, barbecue ribs, pulled pork, or fried chicken. Serve with a side of coleslaw or a green salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover jalapeno cornbread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of jalapeno cornbread contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of jalapeno cornbread contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of jalapeno cornbread contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of jalapeno cornbread contains approximately 6 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Jalapeno cornbread is a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin C.

Alergens

Jalapeno cornbread contains dairy (milk, cheese) and wheat (flour), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Jalapeno cornbread is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is relatively high in fat and calories, but also provides a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Jalapeno cornbread is a delicious and spicy twist on traditional cornbread, perfect for serving alongside chili or barbecue dishes. With a flavorful combination of cornmeal, jalapenos, and cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Jalapeno Cornbread. It was a hot summer day, the sun beating down on the small town where I grew up. I was just a young girl, eager to learn how to cook and bake like my mother and grandmother before me.

I had always loved spending time in the kitchen, watching my mother and grandmother work their magic with ingredients and recipes passed down through generations. But it wasn't until that fateful day that I truly understood the power of a good recipe.

It all started when my grandmother's friend, Mrs. Jenkins, came over for a visit. Mrs. Jenkins was known in our town for her delicious cornbread, and she had graciously offered to teach me her secret recipe. I was ecstatic at the opportunity to learn from such a talented cook.

We gathered in the kitchen, surrounded by the comforting scents of flour, butter, and sugar. Mrs. Jenkins pulled out a small notebook from her apron pocket and began to recite the ingredients for her famous Jalapeno Cornbread.

"First, you'll need some cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and of course, jalapenos," she explained, with a twinkle in her eye.

I listened intently as she went through each step of the recipe, her hands moving with practiced grace as she measured and mixed the ingredients together. I could feel the excitement building inside me as I watched her create something so delicious from scratch.

As the cornbread baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, Mrs. Jenkins and I sat at the table, sipping on sweet tea and chatting about life in our small town. She shared stories from her own childhood, recalling how her own grandmother had taught her how to make this very recipe.

"It's all about passing down traditions and sharing the love of good food with those you care about," she said, as she handed me a warm piece of Jalapeno Cornbread fresh from the oven.

I took a bite, savoring the moist texture and spicy kick of the jalapenos. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors that danced on my taste buds.

From that moment on, Jalapeno Cornbread became a staple in our household. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just as a special treat for my parents and siblings. Each time I made it, I could feel Mrs. Jenkins' spirit in the kitchen with me, guiding my hands and infusing the bread with her love and expertise.

As the years passed, I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, experimenting with new ingredients and techniques to create my own twist on the classic recipe. I added extra jalapenos for a spicier kick, or swapped out the buttermilk for sour cream to create a richer texture.

But no matter how much I tinkered with the recipe, the essence of Mrs. Jenkins' original Jalapeno Cornbread remained at its core. It was a reminder of the power of tradition, of passing down recipes and stories from one generation to the next.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents of flour, butter, and sugar, I can't help but feel grateful for the lessons I learned that hot summer day so many years ago. Mrs. Jenkins may have taught me how to make Jalapeno Cornbread, but she also taught me the importance of family, friendship, and the joy of sharing good food with those you love.

And so, as I take a bite of the warm, spicy cornbread fresh from the oven, I smile, knowing that the legacy of this beloved recipe will live on for generations to come.