I am not a cook. I don’t spend hours in the kitchen whipping up gourmet meals, nor do I have a shelf full of cookbooks. But every once in a while, I’m drawn to the idea of creating something simple yet satisfying. Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to bring joy, and sometimes, the act of making a humble meal, like cornbread and a pot of simple beans, is all it takes to feel a spark of culinary pride. Cornbread, with its handful of ingredients and quick preparation, is the perfect reminder that even the simplest recipes can be comforting and rewarding.
Finding Joy in the Act of Cooking
There’s a quiet, satisfying joy in cooking that goes beyond the finished dish. It’s about the process, the way the simple act of stirring, seasoning, or setting a timer can feel like a grounding ritual. In our busy lives, cooking provides a rare chance to slow down—even if we’re using something like a pressure cooker to save time. There’s a certain thrill as the pressure builds, knowing that this simple device will transform basic ingredients, like beans, into a warm and flavorful meal.
When I make cornbread and beans, I’m reminded that cooking doesn’t need to be perfect or complex to be meaningful. The scent of cornmeal warming in the oven, or the satisfying hiss of steam releasing from the pressure cooker, can turn an ordinary day into something special. Each step in the process, whether slow or quick, is a reminder of life’s simple pleasures—moments of calm, a touch of creativity, and the satisfaction of nourishing ourselves and others.
Cooking as a Connection to Self and Others
Cooking, even the simplest of dishes, has a way of connecting us—not only to those we share a meal with but also to ourselves. There’s something deeply personal about creating food, especially when it’s made with intention and love. In making something like cornbread and beans, I find a kind of meditation in each step, knowing I’m creating something both nourishing and comforting.
When I made cornbread for the first time (see my mom’s recipe below), my boys’ reaction filled me with a quiet pride. They took a bite, smiled, and said, “I thought grandma made it!”—a simple statement, but it meant the world to me. Cornbread has since become a favorite in our home, especially with a little butter and maple syrup drizzled on top, just the way they like it.
The Cornbread Recipe
To wrap it all up, here’s the simple recipe that brings so much joy to our table. Cornbread is a humble yet delightful dish that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a warm, golden bread ready to serve.
Ingredients & Instructions:
- Have all ingredients at room temperature, about 70°F.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Grease the pan with butter or oil, placing it in the oven until it’s sizzling hot.
- Melt 2 to 3 tablespoons of butter on low in a small saucepan.
Sift together:
- 3/4 cup sifted all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons double-acting baking powder
- 1 or 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Add:
- 1 1/4 cups yellow or white stone-ground cornmeal
In a separate bowl, beat:
- 1 egg (or 1 1/2 teaspoons egg replacer)
Beat into it:
- 2 to 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 1/4 cups milk
Combine all ingredients with a few rapid strokes, then pour the batter into the hot pan. Bake for 15 minutes for cornbread sticks or 20 to 25 minutes for cornbread or muffins. Serve immediately, perhaps with a pat of butter and a drizzle of maple syrup if you’re feeling indulgent.
This simple cornbread recipe has become a family favorite, a dish that’s more than food—it’s a little piece of comfort, warmth, and togetherness. Cooking may not be my specialty, but with recipes like this, it’s easy to find joy in the kitchen.
