I set out to make the perfect johnnycake, thinking they would be a great, hearty breakfast. They are simple, tasty, and a real survival food in my opinion. Called 'journey cakes' at one point, they are meant to sustain and keep you full. The bacon is nice, but really all you need is any fat and some very basic ingredients. The taste of these cakes, cooked properly on well seasoned cast iron, brings me back to a simpler time, connects me to the roots of this country. So, here it is.
Johnnycakes
Makes about 6-8 cakes.
1 cup of cornmeal
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbls sugar
1 1/2 cups of boiling water
Fat from about 6 slices of thick bacon
The bacon to eat with 'em!
Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl, and pour in the boiling water while whisking briksly. You are essentially precooking the cornmeal here. It will turn into a gooey paste, about the consistency of brick mortar. On a hot, barely smoking, well seasoned cast iron griddle or skillet, place a generous amount of bacon grease. Spoon the cornmeal mixture onto the greased skillet and flatten with the back of a spoon into cake like shape. This takes some practice, but keep them small and you'll be okay. Fry for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, until they get golden brown and crispy. You will have to add fat to the skillet when you turn them, they suck up the grease real well. If they are sticking to your skillet, you need more grease.
Serve piping hot, with butter, real maple syrup and BACON. You'll feel like an American pioneer in no time. Happy Thanksgiving all.