Step 1

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Step 2

Place oil in a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or similar-size glass or corning ware baking dish and transfer to the pre-heating oven.

Step 3

Mix cornmeal, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Add egg and milk (or buttermilk); stir until just combined. Remove the pan from the oven and very carefully swirl the oil to coat the bottom and a little way up the sides. Again, Very carefully pour the excess hot oil into the cornmeal mixture; stir until just combined. Pour the batter into the hot pan. NOTE: The key is the oiled, preheated cast iron pan, which gives the finished bread that incredible crisp edged texture.

Step 4

Bake until the bread is firm in the middle and lightly golden on top with a nice brown crust on the bottom, about 20 minutes. It will be pulling away from the sides of the skillet. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.