Alden's Grandmother's Cornbread

Source: emeril lagasse (www.foodtv.com)

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees f.

Place the bacon grease in a 10-inch black cast iron skillet and swirl to coat the sides and bottom evenly.

Place skillet in the oven to heat.

In a bowl , combine the cornmeal , baking powder , baking soda , salt , and pepper and mix well.

In a small bowl , combine the buttermilk , egg , and melted butter.

Add to dry ingredients and stir just to combine.

Remove the hot skillet from the oven , carefully swirl to evenly distribute hot grease , and quickly pour the cornmeal batter into the skillet.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes , or until firm and golden brown on top.

Let sit for 5 minutes , then turn out onto a cutting board.

Cut into wedges and serve hot with butter on the side.

bacon grease, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt, fresh ground black pepper, buttermilk, egg, unsalted butter