New Orleans Skillet Baked Cornbread - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup flour
1 tablespoon sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon allspice
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground white pepper
1 large egg
1 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
1 1/2 1 1/2 tablespoons bacon (approx) or 1 1/2 tablespoons sausage drippings (approx)

Preparation

Place an iron skillet (or other baking dish) 2/3 full with water on the floor of your oven before preheating to achieve a crisp crust and moist interior.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees Sift dry ingredients together into a large mixing bowl.
Add egg, milk, and 1/4 cup shortening and beat with a wooden spoon until smooth, about 1 minute.
Grease an 8 or 9 inch skillet or heavy square baking pan with the shortening or bacon drippings.
Pour batter into pan and place in oven.
Bake 25-30 minutes until light golden brown on top.
To serve, take skillet to table and cut bread into wedges; top with butter and/or honey if desired.