I like this week’s challenge, chosen by Ezra Pound Cake, because I found my all-time favorite corn bread recipe just last month. But the thing is, I love sweet, delicate, almost dessert-like corn bread. Skillet corn bread cooked in bacon fat has many devotees, I know, but I haven’t found a recipe that’s a keeper. The worst offenders taste dry and stale even at the very moment they emerge from the oven, and I don’t think corn bread should need to be slathered with tablespoons of butter just to keep it from gumming up on the roof of your mouth. Not a great image, there. But it makes the point. And by the way, I’m all for slathering things with butter, lots and lots of butter, but as a way of adding more flavor, not masking dryness.
All of this is to say I was happy to try Dorie’s recipe for savory corn muffins because they looked like they could be light and tender, but not at all sweet. They’re studded with bell pepper and jalapenos and there’s a hearty dose of chili powder to boot. So perhaps they would allow me to cross off sweetness as a prerequisite for great corn bread and just stick with light and tender. Well….?
Oh, yes. These muffins knock the socks off all other savory corn bread recipes I’ve tried. They’re delicate, the cornmeal gives them a lovely bite, and they’re just loaded with spicy flavor. The zing was a bit much for my 3-year-old — after all, there’s an entire minced jalapeno in there — but they’re just right with a cold beer.
I’m glad you found a good non-sweet cornbread to add to your repertoire. We liked them too, but cut the sugar a bit. Great pictures!
Nancy
beer does go well with these!
We loved these.
Yours look great.
Man, these things are sensational — just the right amount of heat, and such a moist delicate inside. I only wish I’d tried them with a cold beer — what a great suggestion.
I am glad you liked these corn muffins. I loved them as well, they go great with chili!
Welcome to the club! Nice work there!
I’ll second the beer. Nice job! Love the confetti look of these muffins.
I’m glad you liked the muffins. Welcome to TWD!
Can’t wait to try these. I wonder if anyone has a famous (or soon to be!) recipe for a similarly savory corn pudding recipe? By the way, I’m impressed by any three year-old that will even try food with jalapenos in it. A budding food enthusiast?
Welcome to TWD!! Pretty pictures! Glad you liked these muffins, I loved them too!!
they look great. dessert like cornbread is what i like, too. i liked these muffins but probably not enough to make them again. but i’m open to trying the plain version.
Oooh — I bet beer would solve any issues with serving the spicy muffins with spicy chili. Nice thinking! Your muffins look great. Welcome to TWD!
Your blog looks very nice. I have enjoyed looking at it. I will be watching for your famous recipes. It is a great idea. Jan
These were VERY good! Nice job!
I’m guessing your 3yo actually took a bite?? My 2 & 4 year olds just looked at me and walked away. Oh well! Great job.
I love sweet muffins as well! Yours look delicious and I’m glad you liked them!!