Imagine having the culinary legend Ina Garten prepare a meal for you—it’s almost guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience. Jennifer Garner recently had the privilege of experiencing this firsthand, and she was left in awe by Garten’s extraordinary talent. The moment that truly took her breath away was when Garten reimagined Garner’s grandmother’s beloved cornbread recipe, transforming it into what Garner described as “the best thing I’ve ever had.” While Grandma’s original recipe held a special place in her heart, even it couldn’t compete with the magic that unfolded in Ina’s kitchen.
Garten herself shared this delightful culinary adventure on Instagram, revealing that she had given Jennifer Garner’s grandmother’s cornbread a modern twist during the premiere episode of #BeMyGuest Season 4. “We had such an amazing time,” Garten wrote, adding with characteristic modesty, “and my Brown Butter Skillet Cornbread with flaked sea salt on top wasn’t bad either.”
As soon as Garner tasted the revamped cornbread, her reaction was one of sheer amazement. “What is happening here? Is there salt on top?” she asked incredulously upon discovering the subtle yet game-changing addition of flaky sea salt. With each bite, her excitement only grew stronger. “This is like taking a bubble bath for your taste buds,” she exclaimed before declaring it “the best thing I’ve ever eaten.” Such high praise from someone who clearly knows good food speaks volumes about Garten’s culinary genius.
The process behind this mouthwatering creation begins with browning two sticks of butter in a cast iron skillet until they reach a deep golden-brown hue—a step that infuses the dish with rich nuttiness right from the start. This browned butter is then whisked together with milk to create a luxurious base before eggs are added to further enrich its texture.
In another bowl lies an ensemble of dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt—all waiting to be combined into something greater than their individual parts. These dry elements are gently mixed together until they form a cohesive blend.
A well is made in this mixture where the liquid ingredients—now infused with buttery goodness—are poured in and stirred just enough to bring everything together without overmixing; lumps are not only accepted but celebrated as part of its homemade charm. After allowing this batter to rest for about 15 minutes so all flavors can meld beautifully together comes one final stir before it’s poured back into its cast iron home—the skillet—and smoothed out carefully across its surface.
The crowning touch? A sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds both texture and flavor complexity before being baked at just-the-right temperature until golden brown perfection emerges after roughly half an hour—a true masterpiece ready for devouring!
While traditionally served alongside other dishes as part-and-parcel sidekick status (and doing so brilliantly), don’t underestimate how well this cornbread stands alone too! Pairing perfectly alongside morning coffee or enjoyed solo anytime throughout your day—it offers layers upon layers worth savoring thanks largely due again towards those rich buttery notes coupled against savory undertones making every bite feel indulgent yet comforting simultaneously!
If you’re tempted by what sounds like pure bliss wrapped up within each slice—you’re not alone! The full recipe awaits eager hands ready-to-create their own version inside kitchens everywhere…so why wait any longer? Dive headfirst into crafting something truly special today!
