Hot Water Corn Bread

A staple of the American South, hot water cornbread is a traditional bread that is made with cornmeal and hot water. Sugar, salt, butter, and other ingredients such as ham, bacon, jalapeno peppers, or green onions are often added to the cornmeal mixture in order to provide additional flavor and texture. The ingredients are combined, and the batter is formed into flattened cakes or patties which are then fried in hot oil or bacon fat. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, hot water cornbread is commonly eaten with honey, cane sugar, or maple syrup drizzled on top, but it can also be served as an accompaniment to chili, greens, beans, or soups. Interestingly, some people enjoy their hot water cornbread crumbled in a glass of cold buttermilk.