Hot-Water Cornbread

A variation on making cornbread, Prepare it at the last minute, so you can serve it piping hot.

• Ready In: 23 mins
• Serves: 8
• Yields: 8 patties

Ingredients

• 2  cups white cornmeal
• 1⁄4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1⁄4 teaspoons salt
• 1  teaspoon sugar
• 1⁄4 cup half-and-half
• 1  tablespoon  vegetable oil
• 3⁄4-1 1⁄4 cup boiling water
•  vegetable oil
•  softened butter

Directions

1. Combine first 4 ingredients in a bowl; stir in half and half and 1 tablespoon oil. Gradually add boiling water, stirring until batter is the consistency of grits.
2. Pour oil to a depth of 1/2 inch into a large heavy skillet (cast iron), place over medium high heat. Scoop batter into a 1/4 cup measure;drop into hot oil, and fry in bathches 3 minutes on each side or until golden. Drain well on paper towels. Serve immediately with softened butter.