Barefoot Bloggers - Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread

This recipe was chosen by Sabrina and Alexander of Cooking With The Kids. I had made this before for NYE, I think, when we were having chili and all the fixings. It is a great cornbread. Not too sweet, not too spicy...just right.

Since we like things a little spicier in our home, I sliced up an additional 3 jalapenos, de-seeded about half of them, and placed them in the top of the cornbread. It reminds me of a jalapeno cheddar bagel. Mmmmm!

Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
2006, Barefoot Contessa at Home, All Rights Reserved

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup yellow cornmeal

1/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons baking powder

2 teaspoons kosher salt

2 cups milk

3 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten

1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted, plus extra to grease the pan (You can cut the amount of butter by about half, with no real consequence)

8 ounces aged extra-sharp Cheddar, grated, divided

1/3 cup chopped scallions, white and green parts, plus extra for garnish, 3 scallions ( I didn't have any on hand, so i omitted them)

3 tablespoons seeded and minced fresh jalapeno peppers

Combine the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, and butter. With a wooden spoon, stir the wet ingredients into the dry until most of the lumps are dissolved. Don't overmix! Mix in 2 cups of the grated Cheddar, the scallions and jalapenos, and allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 by 13 by 2-inch baking pan.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and sprinkle with the remaining grated Cheddar and extra chopped scallions. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool and cut into large squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.