Delicately Sweet & Salty Cornbread

Delicately Sweet & Salty Cornbread

Recipe from https://cooking.nytimes.com/, Yewande Komolafe

1½ fresh corn kernels

olive oil, as needed

kosher salt, to taste

8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for brushing the pan

1½ cups / 250 grams medium-coarse yellow cornmeal

¾ cup / 114 grams all-purpose flour

¼ cup / 55 grams granulated sugar

3½ teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon baking soda

2 cups buttermilk, preferably full-fat

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Heat oven to 400˚F.

Sauté the fresh corn kernels in a drizzle of olive oil for 1-2 minutes to cook lightly, season with a pinch of salt. Set aside to cool completely.

Butter the bottom and sides of a 10-inch skillet or cast-iron pan and set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk and eggs. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir until incorporated. Fold in the melted butter. Fold in the corn kernels.

Pour the batter into the prepared skillet and smooth the top.

Bake until the top is lightly browned and the sides pull away cleanly from the skillet, about 25 to 30 minutes. Cool before serving.

Arepas with Corn & Queso Blanco

2 cups P.A.N. brand masarepa / corn meal (I always buy the yellow bag)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

2½ cups water

1 cup fresh corn kernels

water

oil or nonstick cooking spray, for sauteing

For serving:

Queso blanco, (Paisa brand is my favorite) grated on large whole box grater

Mix together the masarepa, salt and water until combined. Fold in the fresh corn kernels. Knead the dough for 1-2 minutes then set aside and allow to rest for a few minutes.

After the dough has rested, divide into 10-12 portions and gently flatten to form a disc about ½ inch thick. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and lightly grease with oil or nonstick cooking spray. Cook the arepas for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Cut open the arepas lengthwise to form a pocket and fill with queso blanco (or your favorite filling). Enjoy while warm.