This recipe started because my girlfriend is making chili. I thought making a cornbread would go great but I wanted to make it extra special and have plenty. Plus I also looked at this way - I had all of the ingredients and had to purchase a quart of buttermilk so why not use it all now. Any leftovers (which I doubt can be frozen and saved for another time).
As I was starring at my paella pan from Le Creuset that is when it came to me! This paella pan would make a great cornbread and look amazing too! I also love my OXO kitchen essentials. I just couldn't imagine using anything else. In this recipe I used mixing bowl, measuring cup, measuring spoons and oven mits! I am a happy girl in the kitchen.
For our breakfast I made bacon and reserved 4 pieces so you can omit the bacon if you don't have it handy but I always make extra "just in case" or Jake gets to enjoy it during the week.
This is what I did! Now remember this is for a large paella pan - If you are making in a standard cast iron pan or 8x8 baking dish then cut the ingredients in 1/2 except for the baking soda (use 1 tablespoon)
Preheat an oven to 425°F.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, bacon, jalapeños, scallions and 2 handfuls of cheese. (there should be 1 handful left). Make a well in the center.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk and melted butter until combined. Pour the egg mixture into the cornmeal mixture and fold gently until the batter is blended and smooth.
Take your paella pan and heat over a medium temperature. Once the pan is hot take some oil (vegetable or canola) and brush a light even layer around the pan. Let it get hot.
Pour in batter and using a rubber spatula rub to make the layer even. Add you last handful of cheese to the top of the bread. Continue to cook over medium heat for 1 minutes.
Place in oven for 17 minutes (exactly). To test a toothpick inserted into the center of the corn bread will come out clean,
Let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Cut the into wedges and serve.