Marry- Me Cornbread

This cornbread is so good; good enough to seal the deal between dating couples.  It is from a beautiful recipe book called With A Measure of Grace published in 2004 by Blake Spalding and Jennifer Castle.

5 pieces of bacon cut into 1/2 inch strips (optional)
1 cup onion, chopped
2 – 1/2 cups Full Belly Red Cornmeal
1 – 3/4 cups flour (whole wheat or bleached)
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs
1/2 cup oil
2 – 1/2 cups milk or buttermilk
1 cup corn or peppers (you can use jalapeño peppers, if you like)
8 ounces cream cheese cut into chunks (optional)

Heat oven to 350°. Fry bacon with onions until onions are translucent.

In mixing bowl, stir together cornmeal, flour, brown sugar, baking soda and baking powder until well combined. Stir in eggs, oil, milk and corn or peppers. Gently stir in bacon and onions. Pour into hot 10 inch cast iron skillet or baking pan.

Dot top of cornbread with cream cheese chunks and bake 30 to 40 minutes until top is golden and springs back when touched. Serve warm and enjoy!