More Southern Cooking Techniques
I know this first technique may sound unrelated to Southern Cooking , but you will see the connection as we proceed. Here is the first tip, which should be applied to all your recipes, not just Southern Cooking.The Chinese figured this out long ago. Combine sweet and sour in your cooking. That is, in a dish that is intended to be sweet (deserts), add a pinch of salt, vinegar or hot spice. In a dish that is intended to be sour (not sweet), such as vegetables, chili, meats, add sweet. I prefer syrup or molasses rather than regular sugar to add sweetness.As an example, in Southern Recipes, I add a teaspoon of molasses to greens (turnip, collards, mustard), green beans and breakfast gravy. One exception to the adding sweet to sour is in cornbread. If you want real Southern cornbread, never put sugar in it. Sorry, that is not cornbread, it is cake (or Yankee cornbread.) I also add a teaspoon of regular sugar to my cole slaw and chili. Likewise, in all deserts I cook I add a pinch of salt. You are probably aware that most desert recipes call for this anyway. I have discussed the next technique at length in my other articles and on my websites, but it is so important I want to repeat it here. You must use Cast Iron cookware for most Southern dishes, especially cornbread. First, it is the traditional way to cook Southern. Additionally, the cast iron transfers heat unlike any other material, making it uniquely suited for Southern dishes. So, please use cast iron.This next technique is employed in many Southern recipes. Southerners use cornmeal in many fried dishes to coat the food. This produces a crunchy texture and adds flavor. When frying chicken, coat (batter) the chicken in flour, but add cornmeal to the flour mix at a 3 to 1 ration. In other words 1/4 cup cornmeal to 1 cup flour. Also, fried okra should be coated in a pure cornmeal mix (with salt and pepper, no flour.) Here is the point...experiment a little. When a recipe calls for flour or just because you have always cooked it that way, try substituting cornmeal for flour.Here is something I remember from my grandmother's kitchen. She was a great cook of traditional Southern food. She made the best biscuits I ever tasted. At first, I thought it was her recipe, until I found out there was nothing unusual about it (I think she got it off a bag of flour.) It was not the ingredients that made them so good. It was the size of the biscuits. I always knew she made bigger biscuits than I was use to but I did not make the connection until after I found out her secret was not the ingredients. Larger biscuits will have more of the soft insides and a larger area outside for the brown crust. They are especially good with gravy or anytime you will be using a sauce. Here is what she did. She rolled out the biscuit dough to about 3/4 inch thickness. Then she used a biscuit cutter that was a little over 3 inches in diameter (who knows where she got it...it was probably a hundred years old.) A word of caution if you use this technique for your biscuits, do not make the dough over 3/4 inch thick. You may think that if 3/4 inch is good, then 1 1/2 inches should be better. Not so. The 3/4 inch rule seems to be the optimum for Fat Biscuits. If you make them much thicker the tops will crack and they will have a doughy flour taste. So, if you are one that has always made slim 2 inch biscuits, give these a try. And, try out the other techniques mentioned for real Southern Cooking.
About the Author
Ken Miller is a freelance writer and webmaster for olsouthrecipes.com Southern Cooking - Southern Recipes where you will find free recipes for many favorite, authenic Southern dishes.
Does any one know the recipe for cornbread baked in a cast iron pan that has oil poured on top?
It's crispy on top and bottom.
It tastes like it's fried and so good.
Hot Skillet Cornbread
1 1/2 cups white or yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon kosher or coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup, plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil* - divided use
1 1/2 cups buttermilk**
2 large eggs
Preheat oven to 425*F (220*C).
Combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and baking soda in large Mixing Bowl. Add 1/4 cup oil, buttermilk and eggs, stirring with a wooden spoon until just mixed.
In a medium-sized skillet with an oven-proof handle, add the 1 to 2 tablespoons oil, shortening or bacon fat, and heat until very hot. (Use caution. You don't want it to catch fire!) Quickly pour the prepared batter into the hot skillet and with a potholder, transfer the skillet to the oven.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and center springs back when lightly pressed. Best served warm.
Makes 8 servings.
*Can also use melted vegetable shortening or bacon fat.
**Substitute 1 1/4 cups sour milk for the buttermilk. To make sour milk place 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon white vinegar in measuring cup and add milk to make 1 1/4 cups. Let set for a couple of minutes to sour before using.
 |
 Ishiyaki Bibinba Nabe Korean Nabe $56.50 Time Remaining: 30m Buy It Now for only: $56.50 |
 Scanpan CSX 12 piece Clad Stainless Set Cookware $599.00 Time Remaining: 32m |
 New 16pc Red Pots and Pans Heavy Gauge Aluminum Riveted Handles Cookware Set $49.90 Time Remaining: 33m Buy It Now for only: $59.95 |
 Cookwear Strainer $2.99 Time Remaining: 39m Buy It Now for only: $5.00 |
 NEW Chefs Secret 16pc Stainless Steel Cookware and Utensil Set MSRP 25295 $41.00 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 42m |
 New Maxam 4qt Stainless Steel Double Electric Deep Fryer MSRP 17095 $52.98 (17 Bids) Time Remaining: 43m |
 OLD DUTCH 165 X 125 X 18 OVAL ANTIQUE COPPER CHAFING DISH 6 QT BRAND NEW $199.00 Time Remaining: 44m Buy It Now for only: $221.05 |
 Le Creuset Cast Iron 7 quart Chefs Oven with Bonus Skillet NEW $349.99 Time Remaining: 45m Buy It Now for only: $399.99 |
 VINTAGE WEAR EVER 2QT ALUMINUM Sauce Pan Pot Double Boiler 140 1 2 USA $9.99 Time Remaining: 46m |
 KITCHEN SHEARS $3.99 Time Remaining: 46m Buy It Now for only: $3.99 |
 All Clad Stainless Non Stick Grille Pan 12 New $99.95 Time Remaining: 49m Buy It Now for only: $99.95 |
 17pc 9 Element Stainless Steel Cookware Set KT17 $268.90 Time Remaining: 53m Buy It Now for only: $268.90 |
 Precise Heat 42qt Waterless Stock Pot KTSP42 $162.50 Time Remaining: 54m Buy It Now for only: $162.50 |
 JIM BEAM JB0123 WIDE HEAD SPATULA $25.72 Time Remaining: 55m Buy It Now for only: $25.72 |
 15 Piece Aluminum Large Stock Pot Set Jumbo Covered Cookware w Steamer Racks $144.95 Time Remaining: 56m Buy It Now for only: $159.45 |
 Waterless 6 Piece Skillet Set w Cover Precise KTFP3 Stainless Fry Pan Cookware $144.95 Time Remaining: 56m Buy It Now for only: $159.45 |
 New Yorkville 7pc Stainless Steel Cookware Set MSRP 8495 $26.00 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 58m |
 17Pc S S Cookware Set $169.71 Time Remaining: 1h 2m Buy It Now for only: $169.71 |
 VISIONS Corning Ware VINTAGE 35L DUTCH OVENNOT USED 5 TIMESNO CHIPS OR CRACKS $32.95 Time Remaining: 1h 4m Buy It Now for only: $32.95 |
 VISIONS CORNING WARE 45L VINTAGE GIVEN TO ME IN 1996 NO CHIPS OR CRACKS $44.95 Time Remaining: 1h 4m Buy It Now for only: $44.95 |
 Japanese Shabu Shabu Pot Sukiyaki Iron Nabe 6in 815 15 $28.00 Time Remaining: 1h 13m Buy It Now for only: $28.00 |
 Kirkland Signature 15 piece Hard Anodized Aluminum Cookware Set $259.99 Time Remaining: 1h 13m Buy It Now for only: $359.99 |
 NEW Chefs Secret 16pc Hard Anodized Aluminum Cookware Set MSRP 21995 $41.00 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 1h 19m |
 HOLIDAY HEFTY ELEGANTWARE DISPOSABLE PLATES Heat Resistant PACTIV CORP D4 3007 $19.99 Time Remaining: 1h 21m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 |
 Kitchen Glass Pot Lid Top Plastic Stainless Handle Knob $3.82 Time Remaining: 1h 23m |
 11 Inch Square Stainless Steel Griddle KTGRIDSQ $37.90 Time Remaining: 1h 31m Buy It Now for only: $37.90 |
 Revere Ware Copper Colander Strainer Ventage $35.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1h 33m |
 Chefs Secret 12pc 9 Ply Heavy Gauge Stainless Steel Cookware Set MSRP 24495 $32.99 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 1h 33m |
 7 Piece Non stick Cast Aluminum Cookware Set With Glass Lid AS 01 $58.99 Time Remaining: 1h 36m Buy It Now for only: $64.99 |
 New T Fal Nonstick Aluminum Large Turkey Roaster Pan with Rack Cookware 16x13x3 $44.50 Time Remaining: 1h 41m Buy It Now for only: $44.50 |
 CHEF HAT Personalized Custom FREE embroidery included $7.99 Time Remaining: 1h 49m Buy It Now for only: $7.99 |
 Cuisinart CGP 202C Seasoned Cast Iron Grilling Platter $59.95 Time Remaining: 1h 53m Buy It Now for only: $59.95 |
 16 Piece Asian Stir Fry Wok Set $31.95 Time Remaining: 1h 54m |
 T Fal E918SC64 Ultimate Hard Anodized Black 12 Peice Pot Pan Cookware Set $149.95 Time Remaining: 1h 55m Buy It Now for only: $164.95 |
 T Fal A8168264 5 Quart Non Stick Covered Jumbo Cooker Saute Pan w Screen $44.95 Time Remaining: 1h 55m Buy It Now for only: $49.45 |
 T Fal A9227964 8 Quart Stock Pot Non Stick Covered Cookware w Glass Lid $49.95 Time Remaining: 1h 55m Buy It Now for only: $54.95 |
 T Fal C3060764 Total Edge Prometal 12 In Saute Frypan Heat Indicated Pan $34.95 Time Remaining: 1h 55m Buy It Now for only: $38.45 |
 T Fal C1190864 Signature Non Stick 125 In Black Fry Pan Saute Cooker $39.95 Time Remaining: 1h 55m Buy It Now for only: $43.95 |
 T Fal C1076564 14 In Hard Enamel Heated Indicated Paella Pan Cookware $39.95 Time Remaining: 1h 55m Buy It Now for only: $43.95 |
 T Fal A9227964 12 Quart Stock Pot Non Stick Covered Cookware w Glass Lid $54.95 Time Remaining: 1h 55m Buy It Now for only: $60.45 |
 T Fal C109SC64 Signature Total Non Stick Blue 12 Piece Cookware Pan Set Blue $94.95 Time Remaining: 1h 55m Buy It Now for only: $104.45 |
 T Fal C1075464 Hard Enamel 55 Quart Caldero Glass Covered Red Saute Cookware $54.95 Time Remaining: 1h 55m Buy It Now for only: $60.45 |
 Sunpentown 11 Piece Set Stainless Steel Saute Pan and Sauce Pot Cookware HK 1111 $79.95 Time Remaining: 1h 55m Buy It Now for only: $87.95 |
 T Fal D9133364 Signature Hard Anodized Non Stick 10 Covered Skillet Cookware $44.95 Time Remaining: 1h 55m Buy It Now for only: $49.45 |
 Mirro A824SA64 Aluminum 10 Piece Cookware Saute Pan Sauce Pot Kitchen Set $74.95 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1h 55m |
 95 Stainless Steel Saute Pan Covered Cookware Excalibur Coating Fry HK 1024 $42.00 Time Remaining: 1h 55m Buy It Now for only: $46.20 |
 T Fal A9099694 3 Quart Double Boiler Non Stick Covered Sauce Pan w Glass Lid $34.95 Time Remaining: 1h 55m Buy It Now for only: $38.45 |
 T Fal C110SC64 12 Peice Silver Total Cookware Pot Saute Pan Kitchen Cook Set $124.95 Time Remaining: 1h 55m Buy It Now for only: $137.45 |
 T Fal 92140A 4 Quart Mirro Pressure Cooker Features Locking Handle Safety $39.95 Time Remaining: 1h 55m Buy It Now for only: $43.95 |
 T Fal A8162564 Covered 12In Pan $39.95 Time Remaining: 1h 55m Buy It Now for only: $43.95 |
 10 Stainless Steel Saute Pan Covered Cookware Excalibur Coating Fry HK 1024 $44.95 Time Remaining: 1h 55m Buy It Now for only: $49.45 |
 T Fal C836SC64 10 Piece Stainless Copper Bottom Fry Sauce Pan Cookware Set $149.95 Time Remaining: 1h 55m Buy It Now for only: $164.95 |
 T Fal D9130764 Signature 12 Inch Hard Anodized Skillet Non Stick Saute Pan $39.95 Time Remaining: 1h 55m Buy It Now for only: $43.95 |
 T Fal A9108274 Covered Jumbo Cooker Non Stick 5 Quart Pan Cookware w Lid $34.95 Time Remaining: 1h 55m Buy It Now for only: $38.45 |
 T Fal 18X10 In Cast Iron Grill Matte E942976 Reversible Griddle Oven Cookware $59.95 Time Remaining: 1h 55m Buy It Now for only: $65.95 |
 T Fal C111SC64 Signature 12 Peice Non Stick Saute Pan Cookware Set Black $99.95 Time Remaining: 1h 55m Buy It Now for only: $109.95 |
 T Fal E938SA74 Professional 10 Piece Black Fry Sauce Pan Kitcken Cookware Set $139.95 Time Remaining: 1h 55m Buy It Now for only: $153.95 |
 Sunpentown SK 7361 Stainless Covered Superbond Wok Asian Cookware w Lid $79.95 Time Remaining: 1h 55m Buy It Now for only: $87.95 |
 T Fal Signature 3 Quart Sauce Pan w Glass Lid C119246 Covered Cookware $49.95 Time Remaining: 1h 55m Buy It Now for only: $54.95 |
 T Fal A8058962 14 in Non Stick Aluminum Saute Pan Jumbo Food Wok Cookware $44.95 Time Remaining: 1h 55m Buy It Now for only: $49.45 |
 |
EatSmart Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale, Silver List Price: Sale Price: $25.00 You save: $9.95 (28%)  |
 |
Presto 04820 PopLite hot air popper List Price: Sale Price: $18.79 You save: $11.20 (37%) |
 |
Cuisinart CSB-76BC SmartStick 200-Watt Immersion Hand Blender, Brushed Chrome List Price: Sale Price: $29.95 You save: $35.05 (54%) |
 |
Lodge Logic L10SK3 12-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet List Price: Sale Price: $20.95 You save: $6.55 (24%) |
 |
Wilton 570-1121 Easy Flex 3-Piece Silicone Spatula Set, Blue List Price: Sale Price: $5.91 You save: $4.08 (41%) |
 |
Nesco FD-75PR 700-Watt Food Dehydrator List Price: Sale Price: $55.99 You save: $24.00 (30%) |
 |
Hamilton Beach 33967 Set 'n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker List Price: Sale Price: $36.00 You save: $23.99 (40%) |
 |
Silpat Non-Stick Baking Mat, 11 5/8 x 16 1/2-inches, Half Sheet Size List Price: Sale Price: $15.95 You save: $11.04 (41%) |
 |
Progressive GT-3520 International 19-Piece Measuring Cup and Spoon Set List Price: Sale Price: $6.99 You save: $2.96 (30%) |
 |
Totally Bamboo 20-7930 3-Piece Cutting Board Set Sale Price: $14.95 |
Iron Cornbread
Thank You. We hope you found the
Iron Cornbread
you were looking for.