The tenth Bread Baker's Apprentice challenge (from the book by the same name authored by Peter Reinhart) is Cornbread, and is found on pages 150-153. (Oh, and in case you are wondering, Typepad went to a New Improved Typepad and I can't figure out size, spacing, paragraphing, etc., so until I do...you are subjected to what you see. Any help?)
We all enjoy cornbread around here, and to be quite honest, the only way I ever serve it is to accompany chili. Last week I asked for some alternate suggestions and Holly and Jessica came up with serving it with Chicken Corn Chowder, so that's what I did. It was wonderful with Chicken Corn Chowder.
The recipe for the cornbread has bacon in it, so figured it would be a hit with the guys. I had decided to make only half a recipe as a full one sounded way too large for one meal and the guys don't really like leftover cornbread so much. The photo shows it made in an 8" cake pan.
The only downside for me was that I am not a fan of using bacon grease in cooking. I know, I know, Iowa chick that I am and all, I did grow up with people doing that, and I never cared for it then either. It's too strong of a taste for me. In this recipe, PR has us greasing the pan with bacon 1 T. bacon grease (for my half size recipe, 2 T for a whole) and that just made it too greasy of a taste for me, so I was not that thrilled with that part of it. Next time I won't do that part.
Overall, a big hit here...highly recommend giving it a try with or without the Chicken Corn Chowder.
Nancy, Cathy, Audrey, Jessica, Melissa, Sarah, Di, Leslie, Margaret and I are baking and posting every other week to better fit into our schedules. If you would like to see their Cornbread, click on their names and visit their sites in the next few days, or you can visit the main group and marvel how they are so far ahead of us. We'll get there...Slow and Steady.
Our next challenge: Cranberry-Walnut Celebration Bread, found on pages 154-156. It will be posted here in two weeks.
