Spoon Bread

Although it takes a little more time to prepare, this recipe is worth it! I had never tried spoon bread before, but its silky texture is reminiscent of a soufflé or a quiche. Pair it with a flavorful entree like Jerk Chicken or BBQ beef and it is a happy side dish. Use it in place of cornbread and surprise your friends with this light and unique treasure.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

Nonstick cooking spray

2 teaspoons unsalted butter, or scant 1 T

1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion or scallions

1 cup white or yellow cornmeal

2 teaspoons sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

3 cups low-fat milk, divided

1 egg yolk

3 egg whites

8-inch baking dish or soufflé dish

Small nonstick pan

Small bowl

Small to medium saucepan

Medium-sized bowl

Clean, deep bowl for beating egg whites

1. Preheat oven to 375º F. Coat an 8-inch baking dish or soufflé dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. Heat butter in small nonstick skillet and sauté scallions or onions until tender; about 5 minutes. Use a high heat rubber spatula.

2. In a small bowl, combine cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt (if desired), and 1 cup milk; stir until blended; set aside. In a small to medium saucepan, over medium heat scald 2 cups milk (heat just until tiny bubbles form around edges of the pan). Stir cornmeal mixture into the heated milk and cook, stirring occasionally until mixture resembles thick mush; about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. Separate the eggs, placing the yolk in a medium sized bowl, and the egg whites in a clean deep bowl. In the bowl with the egg yolk, beat egg yolk slightly with fork, and then stir in a little of the cooled cornmeal mixture; mix well. Using your rubber spatula, scrape cooked onions or scallions into the egg yolk mixture.

The egg whites and egg yolks, separated

Mix a little of the cooled cornmeal mixture into the egg yolks

4. Beat the egg whites with a whisk (preferably with a handheld mixer) until stiff. Fold 1/3 of the whipped egg whites into the cornmeal mixture to lighten, then fold in the remaining egg whites gently until evenly blended. Spoon the batter into the prepared dish. Bake until puffed and golden brown, about 30 to 40 minutes. Spoon the spoon bread onto plates while hot to serve.