Peach Cornbread

The Official Netflix Cookbook, p. 72

11 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

2 large peaches (10 to 12 ounces)

1 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, divided

1 cup cornmeal, preferably stone-ground

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

2 large eggs

1 ¼ cups buttermilk

5 tablespoons honey, divided

Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Place an 8-inch cat-iron skillet on the center rack of the oven, then preheat the oven to 425F/218C. Put 5 tablespoons of the butter on the counter to soften. Add the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter to a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 30-second increments until melted.

Peel the peaches, if desired, then cut them into ½-inch pieces. Place them in a medium bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of the flour.

In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and the remaining 1 cup of flour, whisking until incorporated. Crack the eggs into a second medium bowl, then whisk until the yolks and whites are fully combined. Add the buttermilk, 3 tablespoons of the honey, and the melted butter the bowl with the eggs, then whisk to combine. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, then stir until just combined. Fold in the peaches.

Carefully remove the hot cast-iron skillet from the oven. Add 1 tablespoon of the softened butter to the skillet, then brush the butter onto the bottom and sides of the skillet. 

You can see the sizzle!

Pour in the cornbread batter, then smooth the top with a spatula.

Transfer the cornbread to the oven, then reduce the oven temperature to 400F/204C. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cornbread is lightly browned on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean Remove from the oven and cool slightly.

While the cornbread bakes, in a small bowl, combine the remaining 4 tablespoons of softened butter, the remaining 2 tablespoons of honey, a pinch or two of crushed red pepper flakes (more or less depending on your heat preference), a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of pepper. 

Try to remember it like this because once you mix it up it's not pretty anymore

Stir to combine, adding more salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Cut the cornbread into wedges and serve the hot honey butter alongside.

But it's delicious!

My Rating: 5/5 "If I were just talking about the cornbread I'd give this a 4/5. I mean, it's pretty heckin' good on its own. The fruit bits hidden throughout the bread are really fun. But combined with the hot honey butter it's downright amazing! Don't skimp on that additional flavor!"