That said, there are certainly still cooks out there who make fantastic historical cornbreads, though the old recipes have often been changed to include modern techniques and ingredients.

That said, there are certainly still cooks out there who make fantastic historical cornbreads, though the old recipes have often been changed to include modern techniques and ingredients.

Many of America's historical cornbreads were staple breads for people who didn't have many other options.

Most cornmeal producers dont tell you when their cornmeal was milled, which makes it difficult to know how long the product has been sitting in the store before you bought it.

But since you're asking me, I'll tell you my opinion: all cornbread is authentic, as long as it's good, hot, and made with love and fresh ingredients.

I have spent far too many years trying to make everybody like me. It's not possible. People can say or think what they want.

If you have a busy natural foods store in your community, give their bulk cornmeal a try: high turnover means the product will most likely be fresh. And if the cornmeal is organic, all the better.