Ingredients:
- 1.25 cups yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup full-fat buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 cup sweet potato puree
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 0.25 cup raw honey
- 1 pinch sea salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pour 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil into a 10 inch cast iron skillet and place the skillet in the oven while it heats. Note: This ensures the oil is shimmering hot when the batter hits the pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until no clumps remain.
- In a separate medium bowl, vigorously whisk the sweet potato puree, buttermilk, and eggs. Work it until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform in color.
- Melt 0.5 cup of the unsalted butter in the microwave and slowly drizzle it into the wet mixture while whisking. Note: Adding it slowly prevents the eggs from scrambling if the butter is hot.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a silicone spatula. Stop as soon as you see no more dry flour streaks. Do not overmix, or the bread will be tough.
- Using a heavy oven mitt, carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Pour the batter into the center; it should sizzle loudly and bubble at the edges.
- Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Bake until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the bread bakes, place the remaining 0.5 cup of softened butter, honey, 0.5 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt in a bowl. Whip with a hand mixer for 2-3 minutes until pale and airy.
- Remove the cornbread from the oven. Immediately spread a generous layer of the cinnamon honey butter over the surface so it melts into the cracks.
- Let the skillet rest on a wire rack for 5 minutes. This allows the internal structure to set. Slice into 12 wedges and serve while still warm.