Hoe Cakes

Pierre Dance's Note:

Farm hands would take the 'makings' into the fields. at lunch time they would knock the handle out of their hoe and use the blade for a griddle. While it was heating they mixed the batter. The result was simple corn flat bread. We've spiffied it up a bit and serve it topped with Real Maple Syrup and Eggs over medium on the side. After these, plain Pancakes sort of loose their appeal.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 ½ cups cornmeal
• 1 cup wheat flour
• 1⁄3; cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne
• ¼ cup melted lard
• 1 ½ cups buttermilk
• 2 eggs , lightly beaten

Directions:

1. Preheat a griddle'til a drop of water'dances' when dropped on it.
2. Combine the dry ingredients.
3. Mix well.
4. Add Eggs, Lard, and butter Milk.
5. Stir just enough to mix.
6. DO NOT OVER STIR, THE CAKES WILL BE TOUGH!
7. Cook on a lightly greased griddle.
8. 1/4 cup at a time.
9. I Have yet to serve these to someone who hasn't asked for the recipe.

Reviews

[Chef #1274236]

these are awesome! i made these for my kids for lunch today (lunch and a history lesson all in one!). i used butter instead of lard, and put butter in the pan as well. they cooked up nice and thick and had a little bit of crunch to them. delicious!!!

[Chef #1086399]

The Hoe Cakes turned out very well both time I tried them. I used oil instead of melted lard, and I also used butter on the griddle which made them smell fantastic as they cooked. I served them to about 45 kids and school and most liked them. They are great with sausages on the side, and would also be suitable for sausage/egg and cheese muffins as they are less floppy than regular pancakes. Only mix one batch at a time though, as the batter tends to rise fast, and is then difficult to ladle out. You also need to be cautious flipping them, as the tops stay softer than regular pancakes. They're different, but interesing!

[Hag chef]

I really liked them, so did DH. I'll definately make these again.I didn't have quite enough cornmeal, so I increased the flour a little. It ended up being equal amounts. I also didn't have lard, and used olive oil instead. I thought it would be healthier anyway. Makes a lot, leftovers toast up nicely. Thanks for the recipe. Other Hoe cake recipes only call for cornmeal and water, this sounded so much better. More like cormeal pancakes.