Spoonbread facts for kids
Spoonbread beneath a pork chop, served with greens
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| Type | Pudding |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | United States |
| Region or state | Kentucky |
| Main ingredients | Cornmeal |
Spoonbread is a yummy, soft dish from the Southern United States. It's made mostly from cornmeal, which comes from ground corn. Even though it's called "bread," it feels more like a fluffy, savory pudding. Think of it like a Yorkshire pudding, which is also a savory dish. Some recipes make it light and airy, almost like a soufflé, but most Southern recipes don't whip the eggs.
What is Spoonbread?
Spoonbread is a unique dish that gets its name because it's so soft you need a spoon to eat it! It's a bit like a baked pudding but tastes savory, not sweet. The main ingredient is cornmeal, which gives it a distinct corn flavor. It's a popular side dish in many Southern homes.
A Look Back: The History of Spoonbread
Many people believe spoonbread first came from Native American tribes. They often called it Awendaw or Owendaw. The very first recipe for spoonbread that was printed in a book appeared in 1847. It was in a cookbook called "The Carolina Housewife" by Sarah Rutledge.
Spoonbread became really popular around the early 1900s. This was because new ways to make bread rise, like using baking soda or baking powder, became common. These ingredients made corn-based breads, like spoonbread, much lighter and fluffier than using yeast.
Spoonbread Festival
If you love spoonbread, there's even a festival for it! Since 1997, the town of Berea, Kentucky, has hosted an annual Spoonbread Festival. It happens every September and celebrates this special dish.
