New England Johnny Cake Recipes

TRADITIONAL JOHNNY CAKES

Steps:

• Combine the cornmeal, salt, and sugar in a mixing bowl.Bring the water to a boil in a large saucepan. Gradually pour the cornmeal mixture in a steady stream into the boiling water, whisking constantly. Turn off the heat and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth. Add the butter and whisk until melted and incorporated. Let the batter rest for 15 minutes (this will soften the grains to prevent a gritty texture as well as enable the consistency to thicken). At that point the consistency should resemble that of mashed potatoes. If it's still too runny let it sit a bit longer.
• Heat a cast iron or non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add some butter, oil, or bacon grease to the cast iron pan. If using non-stick still add a little oil/butter.Drop the batter in roughly 1/4 cup scoops onto the frying pan about 3 inches apart. Let the cakes fry undisturbed for several minutes until the edges are browned. This can take anywhere from 6-12 minutes. If you try and flip them too soon they will fall apart in a mushy mess so be patient. Once the edges are browned flip the cakes over and use a spatula to press them down to a thickness of no more than 1/4 inch so they can become nice and crispy. Continue to fry on the other side for several more minutes until the cakes are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Add a little more oil or butter when you flip them over to fry them on the other side.Transfer the cakes to a wire rack placed on baking sheet and put them in a warmed oven to keep warm while you make another batch.
• Serve hot with butter, maple butter, maple syrup, or applesauce.Makes twelve 3-inch Johnny cakes.

JOHNNY CAKE

Steps:

• Cream lard into sugar till creamy.
• Add eggs and beat well.
• In separate bowl combine baking powder,cornmeal,and flour.
• Add dry mixture alternately with the milk to the egg,lard mixture until well blended.
• Bake in greased 9x13 pan at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes.
• Also works good in muffin tins for about 15 minutes.

RHODE ISLAND JOHNNY CAKES

Steps:

• 1. Whisk together cornmeal, salt and sugar (if used). Bring water to a boil and pour over the meal mixture, whisking to prevent lumps. Let the batter rest 10 minutes.
• 2. Butter a large skillet or griddle and bring it to about 375 degrees, just to a sizzle (do not burn the butter). Add enough milk (1/2 to a cup) to the batter to make it the consistency of mashed potatoes, and drop by spoonfuls to make cakes about 2 or 3 inches wide and several inches apart (they will spread).
• 3. Let the cakes gently sizzle on the grill for about 6 minutes or as long as 11 minutes until you bring them to a deep golden brown on the bottom and slightly firm on the top, before turning them over.
• 4. Add some more butter to the griddle, and/or place a thin pat of butter on each cake, before turning them over and cooking for another 6 minutes (or longer) until they are a deep golden brown color.
• 5. Serve with butter and maple syrup.