Toasted Cornmeal Cornbread

Vino Girl's Note:

From Food & Wine, February 2008.

• Total Time: 55 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 12

Yield: 1.0 pan

• 2 cups coarse yellow cornmeal
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 2⁄3; cup honey , warmed
• 2 large eggs , beaten
• ½ cup unsalted butter , melted

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F
2. Oil a 9-by-13-inch metal baking pan.
3. In a medium skillet, toast the cornmeal over moderately high heat, stirring constantly, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Transfer to a large bowl and whisk in the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk with the honey and eggs.
6. Add the liquid to the dry ingredients and whisk until moistened.
7. Add the butter and whisk until smooth.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the corn bread cool on a rack for 15 minutes.
10. Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.