Southern Fried Cornbread Hoecakes

         This delicious food is called many different things. Cornbread hoecakes, corn cakes, fried cornbread and many others. It is a very popular meal in the southern United States. Johnnycakes is another name, however, Johnny cakes are more like cornmeal flatbread. This is served quite often alongside a plate of fried greens. Many will eat these with a splash of syrup on top for breakfast. When syrup is added on top or as a dip, they are also considered a tasty treat.

            Rumor has it, and it is only a rumor, that these cakes started with the Native Americans. They would cook these little cakes on the end of a hoe. Well, I guess I could see that, and how they gave them the name.

Keep in mind, not all agree, just like all southerners will not agree with the names, the way they are eaten etc. So be patient, everyone has their own way.

This recipe that follows is a recipe I grew up eating and being told that it was Southern. No one argues with parents when they tell you something such as this.

Frequently Asked Questions:

            What types of greens do you suggest?

Well, my hubby likes to bring me armfuls of greens. Those are collard greens. You could make these with fried cabbage, sauteed spinach or even kale.

            Do you serve these with Maple syrup?

You certainly can. I like a thick butter pecan flavor to drizzle on. With a little melted butter they taste phenomenal!

            Why are there so many ways to make and cook these?

In all reality folks, learning to cook is a generational thing. You learn from your mom, who learned from her mom, so forth and so on. Throughout each generation, one person may come up with an easier method, or an additional ingredient. That is why there are such differences. My Grandma used to say her food tasted so good because she cooked with love.

Throughout the years, I have certainly come to believe that is the truth. You can put ten people in a huge kitchen, with exact equipment and their recipes will all taste different. That is just the way it is!!

What do you need to make Southern Fried Cornbread Hoecakes

            Oil or Bacon grease for frying

            ⅓ cup water

            ⅔ cup buttermilk

            2 large eggs

            2 tsp baking powder

            1 cup self rising flour

            1 cup cornmeal

            Pinch of salt to taste

How to make Southern Fried Cornbread Hoecakes

FIRST STEP:

In a large mixing bowl combine the water, buttermilk, eggs, baking powder, flour, salt and cornmeal. Stir to combine well

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Place the oil or bacon grease into a heavy skillet and heat over medium heat

SECOND STEP:

When the oil or grease is hot, pour ¼ of the mixture into the skillet.

Cook thoroughly on each side, flip over after a couple minutes

THIRD STEP:

When done cooking, set on a plate and cover to keep warm

Continue making the cakes until the batter is used.

Enjoy!

Notes

Serve warm and with a touch of butter on top. That would be my true version of southern hoecakes. Eat and Enjoy!