Corn Meal Gems Recipe

Corn Meal Gems are a classic baked good that offers a delicious combination of cornmeal's earthy flavor and the lightness of a traditional muffin. These little gems are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or as an accompaniment to your favorite meal. They’re easy to make and require just a few basic ingredients, making them a great option for both novice and experienced bakers.

Ingredients:

2 cupfuls of flour: This provides the base structure for the gems, giving them a soft and tender crumb.

1 teaspoonful of baking soda: Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the gems rise and achieve a light, airy texture. It reacts with the acid in the cream of tartar to create carbon dioxide bubbles that expand during baking.

1 cupful of cornmeal (bolted is best): Cornmeal adds a slightly gritty texture and a rich, sweet flavor to the gems. Bolted cornmeal, which has been sifted to remove larger particles, creates a smoother texture.

1 egg: The egg helps bind the ingredients together and adds moisture to the batter, contributing to the gems' soft texture.

2 cupfuls of milk: Milk adds moisture and richness, helping to create a smooth batter that bakes into tender gems. It also provides the necessary liquid to activate the baking soda.

1/2 cupful of sugar: Sugar sweetens the gems and also helps to create a slightly crisp exterior during baking.

2 teaspoonfuls of cream of tartar: Cream of tartar works in conjunction with the baking soda to provide the leavening needed for the gems to rise. It also helps stabilize the batter and gives the gems a finer texture.

1/2 teaspoonful of salt: Salt enhances the flavor of the gems by balancing the sweetness and bringing out the natural flavors of the cornmeal and flour.

Procedure:

Mix the Dry Ingredients: Start by combining the flour and cornmeal in a large mixing bowl. Add the cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and sugar to the dry mixture. Whisk everything together well to ensure the leavening agents and seasonings are evenly mixed. This will help the gems rise uniformly and develop a consistent flavor throughout.
Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, crack the egg and beat it until the yolk and white are fully combined. Add the milk to the beaten egg and whisk together until smooth. This mixture of egg and milk will provide the necessary moisture to bind the dry ingredients together and create a smooth batter.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Mix the wet and dry ingredients together: slowly add the wet ingredients to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir the mixture gently but thoroughly, making sure there are no lumps of dry flour or cornmeal left in the batter. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick, with a consistency that allows it to be spooned easily into the gem-pan.
Bake the Gems: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a gem-pan (a specialized muffin tin with smaller, gem-sized compartments) to prevent sticking. Spoon the batter into each compartment, filling them about two-thirds of the way to allow room for the gems to rise. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the gems are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them as they bake.
Cool and Serve: Once the gems are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes. Serve the Corn Meal Gems warm, either plain or with a spread of butter, honey, or jam. They’re also delicious with savory toppings like cheese or a slice of ham.

Approximate Calorie Count:

Corn Meal Gems are a relatively light treat. On average, each gem contains about 100-120 calories, depending on the size of the gems and the specific ingredients used. A batch typically makes around 12-16 gems, so the entire batch would be approximately 1200-1920 calories.

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