Civil War and Hot Water Cornbread from Annette O'Hare's Northern Light

Civil War and Hot Water Cornbread from Annette O'Hare's Northern Light
Monday, July 15, 2024 by Sally Jo Pitts

Investigating Food Used in Novels

This month’s food scene and recipe comes from Annette O’Hare’s Civil War novel, Northern Light.

Author Annette O’Hare uses a kitchen scene showcasing the growing playful relationship of her hero and heroine.

Here’s the Scene:

“Okay, okay, so why do ya call it hot water cornbread? I’ve never heard of that before.”

Margaret looked up into his eyes, which was easy with his face so close to hers. “Because, regular cornbread calls for eggs and since there are no eggs on the entire peninsula…we have to make hot water cornbread. It doesn’t call for eggs.”

“Aye, I see. And does it call for sugar?” He smiled and kissed the tip of her nose. “Because we have a fair amount of that, lass.”

She shook her head at his silly pun, but couldn’t help smiling despite herself. “Now stop it. We’re ready to pour the boiling water over the cornmeal and lard. Measure out three quarters of a cup and I’ll add the salt.”

Thomas did as he was told and poured the steaming hot liquid over the ingredients Margaret had already added to the bowl. The lard melted into a puddle with the addition of the water. “What shall I do now, mix it together?”

“Yes.” She handed him a spatula. “It’s going to be sticky, but do your best to get all the water mixed into the meal and lard.”

Margaret checked the iron skillet where a good amount of lard was being heated for the cornbread. She took the long

handled spoon from the spoon rest and stirred the big pot of black-eyed peas. After moving the peas around in the pot she

scooped out a small spoonful and set it on the rest to cool.

Thomas looked up from his task. “Are ya hungry? Setting out a bit of those peas for yerself are ya?”

She dipped her head to the side. “No silly, I need to have a taste to see if they’re done.”

“Well go on then.” He motioned toward the spoonful of peas.

Margaret raised her eyebrows. “I don’t want to burn my mouth, they’re boiling hot!”

“You’ve got a point there.” He slapped the top of his cornbread dough ball with the spatula. “Seems to be well mixed, lass. What shall I do with it now?”

“Well, if it’s not too hot still you need to separate a small amount at a time and form it into cakes.”

“Ya mean I have to put my hands into this sticky mess?”

A huge smile graced Margaret’s face. “Aye, laddy, ya do.” She giggled at herself.

“So now yer going to mock the way I talk are ya?” He smiled and pulled the spatula out of the gooey mixture and poked it at her.

Margaret hopped around the kitchen, trying to avoid being touched by the messy spatula. She couldn’t remember

when she’d laughed so hard. Thomas backed her into the cabinets, taunting her with tool in hand. “Don’t you get that

sticky thing on my clothes, Thomas Murphy. I don’t want to have to change my dress.”

For a taste of what these two are cooking up, Annette shares the recipe for the Hot Water Cornbread.

Hot Water Cornbread

For the recipe Click Here.

More about Northern Light:

Civil War has robbed Margaret Logan of all she holds dear, including her beloved New Orleans home and her fiancé. When her family moves to the desolate Bolivar Peninsula to manage a lighthouse that is no longer there, all her hopes for a normal future are dashed. Her world is rocked once again when a wounded Yankee soldier washes ashore needing her help. Despite her contempt for the North, Margaret falls in love with Thomas Murphy. As their love blooms, Margaret's sister is overcome with neurosis, and her mind slowly slips away. Bitterness, psychosis and depression yield a decision fueled by contempt. Will one fatal choice cause Margaret to lose the man she loves and condemn Thomas to death?

About the author:

Annette O’Hare is an award-winning author of adult and children’s literature. Annette desires to reveal the love of God to her readers while hopefully giving them something to smile about. She and husband Dan live in Southeast Texas and enjoy spending time with family, RVing, and saltwater fishing.

Author website www.annetteohare.com

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