Adventures in Eating: Eye-Opener Corn Bread

“You’re a million miles from nowhere, when you’re one little mile from home.

It’s the song of mothers’ tears, that keeps ringing in your ears.
You just leave the Gates of Heaven, when you leave mothers’ arms to roam.

You’re a million miles from nowhere, when you’re one little mile from home.”

This is a real tear-jerker, written in 1919. I love the lyrics to these old songs as they do reflect the depth of emotions of an era. This came to my consciousness on a recent trip to Mendocino County and the Sonoma Valley.

We decided to be reckless, and stay one night in a Victorian Inn. One that beckoned you with old world charm, including breakfast. The Mendocino Village Inn was to tease us with vibrations of yesteryear.

As we entered this old house, built in 1882, we noticed the former living room and sitting room were converted into charming period bedrooms. Steps leading up to your bed, ruffled curtains, small printed wallpaper and a fireplace. Ours was the Teddy Roosevelt room. Comfortable oak chairs, four poster bed, a large armoire, a sink standing guard near the fireplace, and a small room with a stall shower and toilet. The fireplace had all the necessary equipment: logs, kindling, paper and matches. It was cold and raining, and the room needed heat.

Paul opened the champagne and I prepared the fire. Teddy Roosevelt was no help, as no amount of coaxing, positive thinking, and good thoughts sparked a crackling fire. The logs were too damp.

In desperation, we hit the mattress and decided to call it a day. The next morning, a delicious breakfast of fresh fruit, homemade cranberry, jalapeno corn bread, muffins, hot coffee, and a tarragon omelette awaited us. In our desire to relive yesteryear, we had not noticed an electric baseboard heater in our room.

The piano beckoned, and here was this sheet music waiting to be played. I can honestly say that with all its charm and proprieties, I was not unhappy that I was a ‘million miles’ from that era. The recipe to follow, should bring you good feelings of warmth without having to ‘roam’.

Eye-Opener Corn Bread

1 cup cornmeal

1 cup flour

3 tbl. sugar

1/2 tsp. soda

1 tsp. baking soda

4 tbl. corn oil

2 eggs

1 cup creamed corn

1 can (4 oz.) diced jalapenos

1 cup grated cheddar

1/4 cup grated cheddar

Mix the cornmeal & the buttermilk & let stand for 1/2 hour. Then mix in the other ingredients. Pour mixture into a 9″x12″ greased pan or individual muffins and bake at 375 for 30 minutes.  Fun eating!

-Rosemarie