Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups milk
  • 1 cup whipping cream
  • 1/3 cup buttermilk
  • 1 1/3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup stone-ground white cornmeal
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 1/3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2/3 teaspoon baking soda
  • 4 large eggs, separated
  • 4 teaspoons chopped fresh chives
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2/3 teaspoon salt

Method

  • Heat first 4 ingredients in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat 6 to 8 minutes (do not boil). Remove from heat. (Mixture will curdle.)
  • Combine cornmeal and Parmesan cheese in a large bowl. Pour milk mixture over cornmeal mixture, whisking until smooth. Let stand 30 minutes or until lukewarm. Stir in baking powder and baking soda.
  • Beat egg yolks lightly, and stir into cornmeal mixture. Fold in chives.
  • Beat egg whites, sugar, and salt at high speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold into cornmeal mixture.
  • Pour into a buttered 13- x 9-inch baking dish.
  • Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until top is golden and a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Serve spoonbread immediately.