Corn Pone and a Look at Horse by Geraldine Brooks #LitHappens

Corn Pone is the simplest of breads containing only cornmeal, water and a pinch of salt.  They are fried up like pancakes and were common fare for slaves and the poor as they were filling and could be eaten hot or cold.

I was inspired to try these when reading the novel Horse by Geraldine Brooks for our Lit Happens book club......

Debra of Eliot's Eats is hosting our on line book club this month and chose the novel.  Those who want to join in read the novel during the month and then go to the event page to discuss the novel based on questions that are posted by the host.  

You need not be a blogger to join in the fun and you can join whenever a book is chosen that you would like to read.  There is no time limit for joining the discussion and those that joined the event will be notified when comments are posted.  We do choose a different read each month and our tastes vary in genre so if you love to read you should check us out.

I had never heard of this novel nor this author prior to Debra choosing the book.  This novel follows the life of a racehorse, Lexington, who was unbeatable.  This historical fiction is not really about the horse at all but the lives that become involved with him throughout the years and spans three different storylines.

Jarrett is a slave who is present when Lexington is born and trains him to become a champion.  Jarrett loves the horse, giving up an opportunity for freedom in order to stay with the horse.  Jarrett's storyline took place in the 1850's and spans 25 years.  This was my favorite storyline in novel.

There is a 2 year span in Martha's life where we get to know her a bit.  She owns an art gallery in the 1950's and discovers that her maid is in possession of a rare painting of Lexington that she had gotten from her grandfather.

We also meet Theo who is an art historian and comes across this painting in a junk pile.  He goes to the Smithsonian to have the painting cleaned and evaluated and meets Jess from Australia who is working on the skeleton of Lexington.  This spans a one year period and is more about the couple trying to work through the problems of an interracial relationship than the horse itself.

There is no requirement to make or post about food in this book club but I always seem to find myself inspired into the kitchen.  There was a good amount of food mentioned in this novel but what stuck with me was Jarret's usual diet of corn pone given to the slaves.  

I am also sharing this post over at Foodies Read.  Stop by and see what the other's are reading this month.

Bread, Cornbread,

Bread

Southern

Yield: 4 pieces

Author: Wendy Klik

Corn Pone

Corn Pone is the simplest of breads containing only cornmeal, water and a pinch of salt. They are fried up like pancakes and were common fare for slaves and the poor as they were filling and could be eaten hot or cold.

Prep time: 3 MinCook time: 10 MinTotal time: 13 Min

Ingredients

• 1 c. cornmeal
• large pinch kosher salt
• 1/2 - 3/4 c. hot water
• 1/4 c. canola oil or bacon drippings to stay true to the history of the dish

Instructions

1. Combine the cornmeal and salt. Add 1/2 cup of water and stir to combine add more water, as needed, until a soft thick dough is formed. Cover and let rest for about 15 minutes.
2. Form the dough into 4 equal patties about 1/4" thick and place in the oil or bacon drippings that has been heated to shimmering in a cast iron skillet set over medium heat.
3. Fry for about 5 minutes on the first side, until golden brown. Flip and fry on the second side for another few minutes. Remove to a plate lined with paper towel to drain.
4. Can be served warm immediately or at room temperature.

Notes

Recipe adapted from one found at the kitchn.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

285.28

Fat (grams)

17.05 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

6.18 g

Carbs (grams)

28.98 g

Fiber (grams)

3.74 g

Net carbs

25.24 g

Sugar (grams)

0.62 g

Protein (grams)

3.92 g

Sodium (milligrams)

34.94 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

14.05 mg

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