Cracklin Cornbread

Ingredients
1½ cups cornmeal
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
¼ cup melted bacon grease or butter
1 cup pork cracklings, finely chopped

Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a cast-iron skillet in the oven with a little bacon grease to heat. In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in buttermilk, eggs, and melted grease until smooth. Fold in the chopped cracklings.

Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven, swirl the melted grease around to coat, and pour in the batter—it should sizzle. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and firm in the center.

Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and bursting with smoky pork flavor—this Cracklin’ Cornbread is pure Southern comfort. Would you eat it with collard greens or a bowl of pinto beans?