Cornbread

Corn is central to Thanksgiving because it is the grain crop that American Indians introduced to the settlers that enabled them to survive. There are many sorts of cornbread. This version includes salsa for extra flavor.

¾stick (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
cups yellow cornmeal, preferably some stone-ground
¾cup all-purpose flour
1tablespoon sugar
4teaspoons baking powder
½teaspoon salt
1cup milk
1egg, beaten
18-ounce can corn
¼cup medium or hot salsa, or more to taste

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Rub a tablespoon of the butter around a 9-inch cake pan and place in the oven for 2 minutes before you add the mixture to it. Mix the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the center, and add the remaining butter, milk, and egg. Stir a little, then add the corn and the salsa and stir until combined. If the mixture seems stiff, add another tablespoon or two of milk. Pour into the hot pan. Bake 30–35 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the cornbread from the oven and let it stand 15 minutes before serving. Makes one 9-inch-square pan.