Golden Corn Muffins are a classic American baked treat that combine the flavors of cornmeal and wheat flour, resulting in a deliciously moist and slightly sweet muffin with a golden-brown crust. These muffins have a rich history in American cuisine and are often enjoyed as a side dish or breakfast item. The recipe you provided reflects a traditional approach to making these muffins, utilizing simple ingredients that come together to create a delightful balance of textures and flavors.

The origins of cornbread and corn muffins can be traced back to Native American cultures, where corn was a staple crop. As European settlers arrived in America, they incorporated corn into their culinary traditions, leading to the creation of various corn-based dishes. Cornbread and corn muffins gained popularity in the Southern United States due to the abundance of corn crops in the region.

The recipe for Golden Corn Muffins you’ve shared seems to follow a traditional approach that likely has its roots in 19th-century American cooking. During this time, muffins and quick breads gained popularity as convenient and versatile baked goods that could be made easily without the need for yeast. The addition of cornmeal to the batter gives these muffins their characteristic flavor and texture.

Yield: This recipe makes sufficient batter for twelve muffins.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cupful flour
• 2 tablespoonfuls Crisco (shortening)
• 1 cupful yellow cornmeal
• 3 tablespoonfuls sugar
• 1 cupful milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoonful salt
• 3 teaspoonfuls baking powder

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to a moderately hot temperature. Typically, this would be around 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease gem pans (muffin tins) to prevent the muffins from sticking during baking.
3. In a mixing bowl, cream together the 2 tablespoonfuls of Crisco and 3 tablespoonfuls of sugar until the mixture is well combined and slightly fluffy.
4. Add the 2 eggs to the creamed mixture and beat them well until fully incorporated.
5. Pour in the 1 cupful of milk and continue to mix until the wet ingredients are well combined.
6. In a separate bowl, sift together the 1 cupful of flour, 1 cupful of yellow cornmeal, 1 teaspoonful of salt, and 3 teaspoonfuls of baking powder. Sifting helps to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients and removes any lumps.
7. Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixing bowl. Stir gently until the batter comes together. Do not overmix; just mix until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
8. Divide the batter evenly into the greased gem pans, filling each muffin cup about two-thirds full.
9. Place the muffin pans into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for a few minutes.
11. Carefully remove the muffins from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Enjoy your homemade Golden Corn Muffins as a delightful accompaniment to meals or as a tasty breakfast treat.

Whether enjoyed warm with a pat of butter or served alongside a hearty soup or chili, Golden Corn Muffins continue to be a beloved comfort food with a rich history in American culinary heritage.