Art Smith's Classic Southern Cornbread

Position a rack in the center of the oven. Generously oil a 9- to 10-inch cast-iron skillet (or a 9-inch cake pan) and place it on the rack. Preheat the oven to 450°F.

Whisk the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl to combine. Make a well in the center. Whisk the buttermilk, eggs, and oil in another bowl until the eggs are well combined. Pour into the well and stir just until the batter is moistened — do not over beat.

Remove the hot skillet from the oven and pour in the batter. Bake until the bread springs back when pressed in the center, 15 to 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes, then turn out onto a plate or serve directly from the skillet.

Fresh Corn, Chile, and Cheese Cornbread

Preheat the broiler. Broil 1 poblano chile, turning occasionally, until the skin is scorched. Cool. Remove the skin, ribs, and seeds, and chop into 1/2-inch pieces. Make the batter, stirring just until moistened and lumpy. Stir in the chopped chile, 1 cup fresh corn, cut from the cob, husks reserved, 4 cooked and crumbled bacon strips, 1/2 cup shredded queso blanco or Monterey Jack cheese, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 teaspoon of chile powder. Stir just until smooth. Line the skillet with corn husks. Pour in batter. Bake as directed above