Cilantro Corn Bread



One more food tradition from the American South is eating corn bread to bring money in the New Year.

3 strips bacon
1 1/2 cups cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese
1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions
2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
2 eggs
1 1/4 cups milk, buttermilk, or yogurt

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. In a cast iron skillet (or other heavy-bottomed, ovenproof skillet), cook bacon until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels. Do not drain bacon grease from the pan.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, cheese, green onions, and cilantro. In another bowl, beat together the eggs and milk. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ones, until just incorporated.
4. Pour the batter into the cast iron skillet (it should still be very warm), and bake 18 - 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the corn bread comes out clean. Serve hot.

Yield: 8 servings