Making Cornbread

Cornbread is one of the cheapest, easiest breads you can make. When paired with beans, it forms a complete protein, making this combo an excellent meat substitute.

Basic Cornbread Recipe:

2 cups self-rising cornmeal
1 egg
Enough water, milk, condensed milk, or buttermilk to make a thick batter

Stir all the ingredients together in a medium bowl. For best results, you'll want to use a cast iron skillet--use enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan and heat on top of the stove until it just begins to smoke before pouring the batter in. If you don't have a cast iron skillet, a heavily greased baking pan will do, although the crust won't be as crunchy. Bake the cornbread at about 400 degrees F until the top is golden brown.

If you like sweet cornbread, add a tablespoon of sugar, or enough to suit your personal tastes. For a softer texture, substitute 1/2 cup of the cornmeal with 1/2 cup of self-rising flour.