Southern Cornbread Light

Directions

1. 1
   Adjust an oven rack to the lower-middle position and heat the oven to 450 degrees.
2. 2
   Spray a 9-inch round cake pan or 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick spray.
3. 3
   Measure 1/3 cup cornmeal into a medium bowl.
4. 4
   Whisk the remaining 2/3 cup cornmeal, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda together in a small bowl; set aside.
5. 5
   Pour the boiling water all at once into the 1/3 cup cornmeal and stir to make a stiff mush.
6. 6
   Whisk in the buttermilk gradually, breaking up lumps, until smooth, then whisk in the egg and melted butter.
7. 7
   Stir the dry ingredients into the mush mixture until just moistened and pour the batter into the prepared pan.
8. 8
   Bake until the bread is golden brown, about 20 minutes.
9. 9
   Remove from the oven and flip the cornbread onto a wire rack.
10. 10
    Turn the bread right-side up, cool for 5 minutes, and slice.