Fried Cornbread Southern Cornmeal Hoecakes

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Dry Ingredients**:
– In a large bowl, combine the **cornmeal**, **flour**, **baking powder**, **sugar** (if using), **salt**, and **black pepper**. Stir the dry ingredients together to ensure they’re evenly mixed.

#### 2. **Mix the Wet Ingredients**:
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the **buttermilk**, **egg**, and **melted butter**. If you don’t have buttermilk, regular milk will work, but buttermilk gives the hoecakes a tangy richness that makes them truly special.

#### 3. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**:
– Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring as you go. Mix until the batter comes together—it should be thick but still spoonable. If the batter is too thick, you can add a little more buttermilk to loosen it up. You want it to be a bit thicker than pancake batter but not too dry.

#### 4. **Heat the Oil**:
– In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat about **1/4 inch of vegetable oil** over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot but not smoking, so drop a small spoonful of batter into the oil to test if it sizzles immediately.

#### 5. **Fry the Hoecakes**:
– Once the oil is hot, spoon small amounts of batter (about 2 tablespoons per hoecake) into the skillet. Use the back of your spoon to gently flatten them into small, round cakes. Fry for **2-3 minutes on each side** until they are golden brown and crispy. If necessary, adjust the heat to ensure they cook evenly without burning.

#### 6. **Drain and Serve**:
– Once the hoecakes are golden and crispy, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat the process until all the batter is used up.

– Serve the hoecakes warm, either on their own or alongside your favorite Southern dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, or a bowl of pinto beans.

### Why You’ll Love Fried Cornbread Southern Cornmeal Hoecakes:

1. **Crispy and Tender**: These hoecakes have the perfect balance of a crispy, golden crust with a tender, cornbread-like interior. They’re crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside—just the way they should be.

2. **Simple Ingredients**: The beauty of hoecakes is that they are made with basic pantry ingredients you likely already have at home—cornmeal, flour, milk, and eggs—making them quick to prepare.

3. **Versatile**: Hoecakes can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. You can serve them with savory dishes like fried chicken, barbecue, or shrimp, or add a touch of sweetness with butter and honey for breakfast. They’re perfect for dipping into gravies, soups, or stews as well.

4. **Perfect for Every Occasion**: Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, hoecakes are always a hit. Their simplicity and delicious flavor make them perfect for any occasion—from casual meals to festive Southern feasts.

5. **A Taste of Tradition**: Hoecakes are a true Southern comfort food with roots that trace back to the early settlers of the South. The name “hoecake” comes from the practice of cooking these cakes on the flat side of a hoe over an open fire, making them a piece of Southern history with every bite.

### Tips for the Best Hoecakes:

– **Use a Cast-Iron Skillet**: If you have one, a cast-iron skillet is perfect for frying hoecakes because it holds and distributes heat evenly, helping achieve that crispy texture.

– **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan**: For the best frying results, don’t overcrowd the skillet. Give each hoecake enough room to fry properly and get crispy on all sides.

– **Add Flavor Variations**: Feel free to get creative with your hoecakes by adding ingredients like **cheddar cheese**, **jalapeños**, or **green onions** to the batter for extra flavor.

– **Serve with Condiments**: For an added treat, top your hoecakes with **butter**, **honey**, or **maple syrup** for a sweeter version. Alternatively, you can serve them with **sour cream** or **salsa** for a savory twist.

### Conclusion: A Classic Southern Favorite

**Fried Cornbread Southern Cornmeal Hoecakes** are a delicious and easy-to-make Southern classic that brings warmth, comfort, and flavor to any meal. Whether you’re pairing them with fried chicken or enjoying them with a drizzle of honey, these hoecakes offer a satisfying combination of crispy exterior and soft, tender interior. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can bring this Southern favorite to your table in no time.

So, grab your skillet and start frying up these golden delights—you’re in for a treat that will quickly become a family favorite!