Mandarin Orange Corn Bread

Mandarin Orange Corn Bread Recipe - A Delicious American Classic

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 9

Introduction

Mandarin Orange Corn Bread is a unique and flavorful twist on traditional cornbread. The addition of mandarin oranges adds a burst of citrusy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory cornmeal. This recipe is perfect for those looking to add a little something extra to their cornbread.

History

The exact origins of Mandarin Orange Corn Bread are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the southern United States. The combination of sweet mandarin oranges and cornbread is a popular flavor profile in southern cuisine, making this recipe a favorite among many.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup yellow cornmeal
0.33 tsp salt
0.75 cup sugar
4 tsp baking powder
2 eggs
0.5 cup melted margarine
1 cup 2% skim milk
1 tsp orange extract
1 can economy mandarin orange slices

How to prepare

Grease an 8x8x2 inch pan.
Combine the ingredients thoroughly, stirring until the orange slices are broken apart.
Pour the mixture into the pan.
Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Variations

Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added crunch.
Substitute orange zest for the orange extract for a more intense citrus flavor.
Use buttermilk instead of skim milk for a tangier taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to thoroughly grease the pan to prevent the cornbread from sticking.

- Stir the ingredients until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can result in a tough texture.

- Use fresh mandarin oranges for the best flavor, but canned mandarin oranges can also be used in a pinch.

Serving Suggestions

Mandarin Orange Corn Bread can be served as a side dish to a variety of meals, such as chili, barbecue, or roasted chicken. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a snack or breakfast treat.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter can be used in place of margarine.

- Whole milk can be used instead of skim milk.

- Lemon extract can be used as a substitute for orange extract.

Make Ahead Tips

Mandarin Orange Corn Bread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mandarin Orange Corn Bread sliced into squares and arranged on a platter. Garnish with fresh mandarin orange slices for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mandarin Orange Corn Bread with a hot bowl of chili or a hearty stew for a comforting meal. It also pairs well with grilled meats and roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Mandarin Orange Corn Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 210

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 28g

Dietary Fiber: 1g

Sugar: 13g

Fats

Total Fat: 9g

Saturated Fat: 3g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 3g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 6%

Vitamin C: 10%

Calcium: 10%

Iron: 6%

Alergens

Contains: Wheat, Eggs, Milk

Summary

Mandarin Orange Corn Bread is a moderate source of carbohydrates and fats, with a small amount of protein. It also provides a good amount of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, and Iron.

Summary

Mandarin Orange Corn Bread is a delicious and unique twist on traditional cornbread. With its citrusy sweetness and tender crumb, it is sure to be a hit at any meal. Enjoy this flavorful bread as a side dish or snack, and savor the combination of sweet mandarin oranges and savory cornmeal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It all started one sunny afternoon when I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins. We were sitting in her cozy kitchen, sipping on hot tea and catching up on the latest gossip. Mrs. Jenkins suddenly got up and disappeared into her pantry, rummaging through her collection of recipe cards.

"I have something special to show you, dear," she said with a twinkle in her eye as she handed me a faded, stained piece of paper. It was a recipe for Mandarin Orange Corn Bread.

"I got this recipe from my grandmother, who got it from a friend of a friend many years ago. It's a family secret, but I think you'll appreciate it," Mrs. Jenkins explained.

I eagerly read through the recipe, noting the unique combination of cornmeal, mandarin oranges, and honey. It sounded like a delicious and unusual twist on traditional corn bread. Mrs. Jenkins insisted that we bake a batch right then and there, and I eagerly agreed.

As we gathered the ingredients and preheated the oven, Mrs. Jenkins shared with me the story behind the recipe. Apparently, her great-grandmother had been a talented cook who loved experimenting with new flavors and ingredients. She had stumbled upon the idea of adding mandarin oranges to her corn bread one day when she ran out of milk and needed a substitute.

The result was a moist, slightly sweet corn bread that was unlike anything Mrs. Jenkins had ever tasted before. She had been making it for her family ever since, and now she was passing the recipe on to me.

The aroma of baking corn bread filled the kitchen as Mrs. Jenkins and I chatted and laughed, reminiscing about old times. When the timer went off, we eagerly pulled the golden loaf out of the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. The scent of mandarin oranges and honey wafted through the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Finally, it was time to taste the Mandarin Orange Corn Bread. I took a warm slice, slathered it with butter, and took a bite. The texture was perfect – moist and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness from the mandarin oranges and honey. The flavors melded together beautifully, creating a delicious and unique corn bread that I knew would become a favorite in my own kitchen.

Mrs. Jenkins and I enjoyed our corn bread with more tea, savoring each bite and marveling at the serendipitous discovery of such a wonderful recipe. I thanked her profusely for sharing her family secret with me, knowing that it would be a cherished addition to my repertoire of recipes.

From that day on, Mandarin Orange Corn Bread became a staple in my household. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, delighting friends and loved ones with its unexpected flavors and moist, tender crumb. Each time I baked a batch, I thought of Mrs. Jenkins and her great-grandmother, grateful for the gift of their delicious recipe.

As the years went by, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it my own. Sometimes I would add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of pecans for extra flavor and crunch. Other times I would drizzle it with a citrus glaze or serve it with whipped cream and fresh berries for a decadent dessert.

But no matter how I tweaked the recipe, the essence of Mandarin Orange Corn Bread remained the same – a beautiful blend of tradition, creativity, and love. It was a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past and bring joy to the present.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the aroma of baking corn bread, I can't help but smile as I think back to that fateful day with Mrs. Jenkins. The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the magic that can happen when we share our love of cooking with others. And as I take a bite of warm, fragrant Mandarin Orange Corn Bread, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of good food and good friends.