Best 2 Great Grandmother Steinbecks Johnnycake Cornbread Recipes

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In the heart of American culinary heritage lies a delectable treat that has been passed down through generations - Johnnycake cornbread. This beloved dish, originating from the Native American tradition, has found a special place in the Steinbeck family, with Alice Steinbeck's recipe capturing the essence of this timeless classic. With its inviting golden-brown crust, moist and fluffy interior, and a hint of sweetness that dances on the palate, Johnnycake cornbread promises a delightful journey into Americana gastronomy. Join us as we explore the secrets behind this cherished recipe, along with variations that add a unique twist to this classic, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options to cater to diverse dietary preferences.

Let's cook with our recipes!

GREAT GRANDMOTHER'S JOHNNYCAKE



Great Grandmother's Johnnycake image

For over one hundred years this unusual recipe for delightfully light, flavorful, extra-delicious Johnnycake has been a prized possession our family, treasured and passed along from my great grandmother to her descendants. A cherished heritage which I hope many others will enjoy in the future. Written by Mrs. Martha A. Street,...

Provided by Carol Junkins

Categories     Sweet Breads

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 c fine corn meal
1 c sifted flour
3/4 c brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
3/8 tsp baking soda
1 beaten egg
1/2 c buttermilk (or sour milk)
1/3 c sour cream

Steps:

  • 1. Heat the oven to 425 degrees F. Grease 12 medium sized muffin pans, or a sheet pan about 7" X 12".
  • 2. Sift together corn meal, flour, salt and soda into your mixing bowl. Stir in the brown sugar.
  • 3. Beat the egg and mix with milk and cream. Pour into dry ingredients and stir until flour is dampened.
  • 4. Turn into pan and bake in 425 degree oven. Muffins require about 15 minutes; sheet pan about 20 minutes.

GREAT-GRANDMOTHER STEINBECK'S JOHNNYCAKE (CORNBREAD)



Great-Grandmother Steinbeck's Johnnycake (Cornbread) image

This recipe is out of my great-grandmother Bertha Iva Steinbeck's recipe box. She really was John Steinbeck's aunt. She lived in Hollister, California, and died in the '30s. I've been making this since I was about 5 years old when my grandmother, Agnes Steinbeck Bowman decided I was old enough to learn to cook. It was actually the second thing I learned to cook...she wanted to see how I handled scrambled eggs before she introduced me to something that demanded some technique! I've never tasted better cornbread in my 47 years.

Provided by Charles D Kemp

Categories     Cornbread

Time 45m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup white cornmeal
¼ cup white sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
¼ cup corn oil
1 egg

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease an 8 inch glass baking dish.
  • Sift the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt into a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, corn oil and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and mix just until blended. Pour into the prepared pan, and shake gently to level it out.
  • Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. Serve hot. Just with butter will do, it is plenty sweet enough!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 383.1 calories, Carbohydrate 52 g, Cholesterol 49 mg, Fat 16.4 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 8.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.6 g, Sodium 1052.7 mg, Sugar 15.7 g

Tips:

  • Proper Measurements: Use measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient proportions, affecting the texture and flavor of the cornbread.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh buttermilk, cornmeal, and other ingredients to ensure the best taste and quality of the cornbread.
  • Mixing Technique: Mix the ingredients gently and avoid over-mixing, which can result in a tough texture.
  • Cooking Temperature: Preheat the oven to the correct temperature before baking the cornbread to get a crispy exterior and a moist interior.
  • Baking Time: Bake the cornbread for the prescribed time to achieve the desired doneness. Over-baking can lead to dryness.
  • Serving: Let the cornbread cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to develop fully.

Conclusion:

Great-grandmother Steinbeck's Johnnycake Cornbread is a delectable and versatile Southern dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a sweet treat. Its unique texture and flavor profile make it a favorite among cornbread enthusiasts. With careful attention to ingredient selection, proper mixing, and the right baking conditions, you can create a batch of this scrumptious cornbread that will impress your family and friends. Experiment with different add-ins like bacon, cheese, or jalapenos to create variations that suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer it plain or dressed up, Great-grandmother Steinbeck's Johnnycake Cornbread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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