Spoon Bread (Recipe)

 

Ingredients

1 cup cornmeal

3 cups milk

2 tablespoons shortening

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

3 egg yolks, beaten

3 egg whites

Steps

1.  preheat the oven to 350c.  Grease a 2-quart square baking dish.  Set aside.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the cornmeal and 1 cup of the milk.

3. In a 2-quart saucepan, over medium heat, warm the remaining 2 cups milk.  Slowly stir the cornmeal mixture into the hot milk.  Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes (mixture will be thick).  Remove from heat.

4. In a clean, medium mixing bowl using electric mixer, beat the egg whites until they hold stiff peaks (tips stand straight).  Set aside.

5. Stir the shortening, baking powder and salt into the cornmeal-milk mixture.  Stir in the beaten egg yolks.  Fold in the beaten egg whites.

6. Turn the mixture into the prepared baking dish.  bake, uncovered, in the 350c oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.  Serve hot.

Tips:

It is necessary to stir the cornmeal-milk mixture frequently while it is cooking so that it thicken uniformly.  Cook over low heat and be aware that the mixture will "pop" occasionally.

For variety, add 2 tablespoons sliced green onion or chopped green chili peppers, or 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the Spoon Bread batter.

For a boost in flavor, use margarine or butter in place of the shortening.