Step 1

Place a medium baking dish (about 8 inches square) or an 8-inch cast iron skillet in a cold oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F. The pan will warm up while the oven heats.

Step 2

Meanwhile, stir cornmeal into boiling water. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 3

Add salt. Dissolve baking powder in 3 tablespoons of milk. Add the baking powder mixture to the remaining 1 cup of milk. Add milk and baking powder mixture to the cornmeal.

Step 4

Butter the hot baking dish. Transfer mixture to the buttered dish. Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 5

Serve spoon bread warm from the oven.