Mom Sampsons Spoonbread Recipes

SPOONBREAD

Steps:

• Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F. Lightly butter a 1 1/2 quart souffle dish or casserole with 1 tablespoon of the butter and dust with 1 tablespoon of the cornmeal.
• In a medium saucepan, scald the half-and-half and remaining butter over medium-high heat. While whisking constantly, gradually pour in the cornmeal and salt. Lower the heat and simmer, while whisking, until thickened, about 3 minutes. Scrape the cornmeal mixture into a bowl and whisk in the egg yolks, one by one. Whisk in the baking powder, chives, and cayenne.
• In a clean non-reactive bowl, whip the egg whites to soft peaks. Lightly mix a quarter of the whites into the cornmeal mixture to lighten it, and then fold in the rest with a rubber spatula. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake until puffed and golden brown, 45 to 50 minutes. Serve immediately as a side dish or as a main course with tomato salad.
• In a large serving bowl, whisk together the vinegar, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Add the tomatoes, herbs, and scallions and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper, if needed. Set aside for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to come together. Serve.
• Yield: 4 servings
• Copyright 2001 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved

SPOONBREAD

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, heat milk, cream and butter until just boiling. Whisk in cornmeal in a slow steady stream, stirring until mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in corn kernels and chives. Beat egg yolks and stir into the mixture. Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into the batter to lighten it. Pour mixture into a greased 8 by 8-inch casserole pan, spread evenly with a spatula. Bake 30 minutes in a preheated 350-degree F oven until risen like a souffle.
• Spoonbread will be puffed and golden brown; a knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

SPOONBREAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter 2 quart baking dish. In a 3 quart saucepan heat milk, salt, sugar & butter to boiling point. Slowly add cornmeal and stir with a wooden spoon for a few minutes or until mixture is thick. Remove from heat and transfer to a mixing bowl. Beat in baking powder and baking soda, Beat in buttermilk, scallions and egg yolks, one at a time.
• Cool to room temperature. Whip egg whites until stiff and fold in. Bake 40 minutes or until top is puffy. Spoon out onto plates alongside salad. Serve with soup of choice.

FAMILY SPOON BREAD

Steps:

• Heat 2 cups of the milk to boiling point.
• Add the meal slowly, stirring until thick.
• Remove from heat and slowly add to the beaten eggs.
• Add the butter and remaining milk.
• Sprinkle baking powder and salt on top and stir.
• Bake in a greased casserole dish for 55 minutes at 350°F.
• When done, it should still be soft enough in the center that you need to serve it with a spoon, but brown on the outside edges.
• ENJOY!

CORN AND TOMATO SPOONBREAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Generously butter four 6-ounce ramekins and dust with cornmeal; tap out the excess.
• Whisk the milk, corn, cornmeal and a pinch of salt in a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave 5 minutes. Stir and continue to microwave until thick, about 2 more minutes. Meanwhile, beat the eggs in a bowl with a mixer until thick and airy, about 5 minutes.
• Whisk 1/2 cup cheese and 1 tablespoon chives into the hot cornmeal mixture until thick. Whisk half of the cornmeal mixture into the eggs, then whisk in the remaining cornmeal mixture until smooth. Divide the batter among the prepared ramekins and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup cheese. Transfer the ramekins to a baking sheet and bake until puffed and set, 20 to 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, chop the tomatoes and toss with the olive oil, the remaining 1 tablespoon chives, and salt and pepper. Top the spoonbread with the tomato mixture. Serve with pickled vegetables.

SOUTHERN SPOONBREAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 3-quart baking dish with 2 tablespoons of the butter.
• Combine the milk, water, salt and the remaining 4 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepot; bring to a boil. Add the cornmeal in a steady stream while whisking rapidly. Continue stirring until the mixture returns to a simmer. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is very thick, 6 to 10 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, stir in the cheese and add hot sauce to taste.
• Crack the eggs into a small bowl and beat with a whisk. Add 1 cup of the hot cornmeal mixture to the eggs and whisk together to warm the eggs and prevent them from curdling when added to the pot. Continue adding spoonfuls of the hot cornmeal mixture to the bowl of eggs until it's warm to the touch; then whisk the egg mixture back into the pot. Stir in the chopped chives.
• Transfer the cornmeal mixture to the prepared baking dish. Place in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes; or until puffed and lightly browned. Cool slightly before garnishing with chives and serving. This may also be baked in advance and reheated before serving.