I am always trying (most times not terribly successfully) to remove added sugar from recipes. So, the other evening to accompany Vegetarian Lentil Soup, I decided to develop a sugar-free cornbread recipe. I perused a few sites looking for the perfect recipe, but some had bacon fat, or some other ingredient that just didn’t work for me. So, I cobbled together this recipe. And fortunately, it worked. Boy did it work! I can honestly say I had no feelings of guilt eating this cornbread. Of course, there was butter in the recipe. But the no additional sugar helped me from becoming guilt-ridden. And I really didn’t miss the sweetness that I always find appealing about this wonderful and easy to prepare bread. Of course, the next morning I did serve it drizzled with warm maple syrup for a special breakfast treat. But that’s a story for another time.

Anyway, this cornbread is inexpensive and easy to prepare (only 7 ingredients and no mixer required), and a dish that everyone in your family will love. And of course, if you must, you can gently warm the bread and slather it with butter to further enhance its enjoyment. (I can’t speak from experience on this myself. But I’m sure Mr. C. could attest to the fact if gently coerced.)

So, if you too are trying to avoid added sugar, but still want to enjoy life’s little pleasures like cornbread, give this recipe a try. It’s darn good. That’s all I’ve got to say!

Peace and love to all.   

 ½ c. unbleached all-purpose flour

1½ c. cornmeal

1 tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. kosher salt

5 T. unsalted butter, melted

1¼ c. buttermilk

1 egg

Whisk the flour, cornmeal, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.

In a microwave safe bowl, melt the butter. Then whisk in the buttermilk and egg until well combined.

Stir the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients just until blended.

Spoon the batter into a greased 9×9-inch square baking dish, smoothing the top before placing in the oven.

Bake in a pre-heated 400-degree oven for about 20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Remove from oven and let cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.