Beloved family recipes passed down through generations are more than just instructions for creating meals; they are vessels of heritage, memory, and love. Each dish carries with it the stories of those who first perfected it, whether a grandmother’s Sunday roast, a father’s secret spice blend, or a mother’s cherished holiday dessert. These recipes become traditions, grounding families in their shared history and offering comfort through familiar flavors that evoke childhood kitchens and gatherings around the table. Over time, while ingredients or methods may adapt slightly, the essence of these recipes remains untouched preserving the bond between past and present, and ensuring that the heart of family remains alive in every bite.
One such beloved recipe is Granny’s Mexican Cornbread curated by Sammie Lee Dement. Pairs perfectly with a bowl of pinto beans! Granny Dement’s recipe has continued to be enjoyed by her daughters, granddaughter, and close friends for many years and would be a tasty addition to any family’s dinner rotation.
Ingredients:
· 1tsp of vegetable oil
· 1c – Yellow Cornmeal
· 1c – Milk
· 2 Eggs
· 3/4tsp Salt
· 1/2tsp Baking soda
· 1/4c Bacon grease
· 1 Can of creamed corn
· ½ lb Ground beef
· 1 Medium onion chopped
· 8oz Grated Cheddar Cheese
· 3-4 Jalapenos chopped
Mix and Set Aside
1. Brown ground beef and drain
2. Chop onion
3. Grate cheddar cheese – thick
4. Chop jalapenos (can remove seeds if you want a milder heat)
Combine Ingredients in a Bowl to create the batter
1. Yellow Cornmeal
2. Milk
3. Eggs
4. Salt
5. Baking Soda
6. Bacon Grease
7. Can of cream of corn
Directions:
1. Pre-heat Oven at 350 Degrees
2. Pre-oil a deep cast iron skillet and place in oven as it is pre-heating
3. Once oven reaches 350degrees, remove skillet and sprinkle a light coating of the yellow cornmeal (just enough to cover the bottom of the skillet)
4. Place skillet back into the oven for 2 minutes
Assemble in Skillet
1. Layer ½ Prepared Batter
2. Grated Cheese
3. Browned Beef
4. Chopped Onion
5. Chopped Jalapenos
6. Then Top with Remaining Prepared Batter
Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes. Enjoy!
"My Granny was a wonderful cook and passed knowledge and recipes to my mother, aunts, and me. Celebrating family through food! I love cooking, but when I can cook one of my Granny's recipes I feel that I am celebrating her and know she is close to me." ~Missy