One of the best things about growing up in a small Texas town is the food. Sure, southerners get a bad rap for deep-frying just about everything that doesn't move (and yes, we really do that). But jeez, sometimes you just CRAVE a side dish that's hot, brown and just a little bit crunchy - like cornbread.
Never heard of fried cornbread? Well, Hot Water Cornbread as it's called is a staple that's celebrated in my Granbury, Texas hometown. No place puts it on a higher pedestal than the cornbread cathedral, the Nutt House Hotel and Dining Room.
A few months ago, my Granbury Facebook friends unearthed this crazy, good recipe from the Nutt House (insert your own joke here). It's an easy dish to prepare and the result is cornbread with a delicate crunch and a soft, chewy inside that melts in your mouth.
If you want to really enjoy this delicious dish, serve it with some black eyed peas and a tall glass of iced tea. Or try it with another of our summer favorites: Cheesy Zucchini and Rice Casserole (recipe coming to the site later this month).
Nutt House Hot Water Cornbread
Yield: Approximately 2 ½ dozen
Combine first 3 ingredients in a bowl. Add shortening.
Bring 2 cups water to a rolling boil; add to cornmeal mixture, stirring well. Let cool 20 minutes. Combine baking powder and 2 tablespoons water. Add to cornmeal mixture; stir.
Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Press each ball between two fingers to make a slight indention on two sides.
Carefully drop shaped dough into deep, hot oil (375 degrees); cook only a few at a time. Fry 1 to 2 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately.
Pingates
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
Follow us on Twitter: @BoomerBrief
and @CharlotteBoomer
Know someone battling cancer? Baylor Health Care System's Sammons Says... cancer blog is a great place to go for help. Here, you'll find information, resources, physicians, support groups and just about everything you need to help you navigate your way through this illness.
Senior Forums is a great place to get the news and share views on everything from hobbies and healthcare, to food, family & travel.
Matt Drudge gets the goods and his site ain't bad either.
You don't have to live in Dallas to enjoy D Magazine.
