In 2020 I launched One of my guests was first-time memoirist Vivian Gibson. Her lovely memoir The Last Children of Mill Creek, about growing up in an all-Black neighborhood in St. Louis, captivated me. This is an adaptation of Gibson’s older sister’s recipe. I had a delightful time talking with her and I encourage you to read her book. This cornbread is so incredibly moist, both from the buttermilk and from letting the batter sit a full 10 minutes to hydrate. And using high-quality bacon fat instead of butter makes it mouth-wateringly good.
Watch the full episode below!
Buttermilk-and-bacon-fat cornbread | Vivian Gibson | Last Children of Mill Creek
Hearty cornbread, so moist and savory.
Ingredients
- 1-1/3 cup corn grits (white, stone-ground) yellow corn meal (170 g)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (gluten-free) Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Mix
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (organic)
- 1 tablespoons baking powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1-1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup bacon fat (rendered) melted, or grass-fed butter, melted
- 2 eggs large, beaten to blend
Instructions
- Place cast-iron skillet in oven. Preheat oven to 375F/190C/gas mark 5.
- In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients (grits through salt).
- Add remaining ingredients and stir until well-blended. Set aside 10 minutes to hydrate the batter. (Don't skip this step!)
- Remove preheated skillet carefully using hot pads, add about 1 tablespoon bacon grease, butter or oil, swirl to coat pan. Pour in batter quickly and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until top springs back when pressed with a finger and a few cracks appear. Cool a few minutes before cutting.
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