
A historical bread from The White House cook book; a comprehensive cyclopedia of information for the home .. (1913). This recipe can be made with sweet milk by using baking powder in place of soda.
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
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Mix the meal and flour smoothly and gradually with the milk, then the butter, molasses and salt, then the beaten eggs
Lastly dissolve a level teaspoonful of baking soda in a little milk and beat thoroughly altogether
Bake nearly an hour in well-buttered tins, not very shallow
Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
The acidic sour milk reacts with baking soda to produce carbon dioxide gas, creating a tender, risen crumb without chemical aftertaste. Adding the soda last, dissolved in milk, ensures even distribution and prevents premature leavening that would escape before baking. The molasses contributes not only sweetness but also moisture retention through its hygroscopic properties, while the butter coating the cornmeal granules tenderizes the texture by preventing excessive gluten development.
The dry ingredients (cornmeal, flour, and salt) can be sifted and combined up to 1 day ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. However, do not mix the wet and dry ingredients until ready to bake, as the acid-base reaction begins immediately and the leavening power will diminish if the batter sits.
Store cooled cornbread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat thawed cornbread in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to restore moisture, or microwave individual pieces for 20-30 seconds.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
The dry ingredients (cornmeal, flour, and salt) can be sifted and combined up to 1 day ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. However, do not mix the wet and dry ingredients until ready to bake, as the acid-base reaction begins immediately and the leavening power will diminish if the batter sits.
Store cooled cornbread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat thawed cornbread in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to restore moisture, or microwave individual pieces for 20-30 seconds.