North Carolina Buttermilk Cornbread

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Step 2: Melt butter in an 8-inch iron skillet (or square metal pan).

Step 3: Melt butter in the skillet.

Step 4: Remove about 1/2 cup of the butter and pour in a mixing bowl.

Step 5: Stir in sugar

Step 6: Quickly add eggs, and beat until well blended.

Step 7: Combine buttermilk with baking soda and stir into mixture in pan.

Step 8: Stir in cornmeal, flour and salt until well blended and few lumps remain.

Step 9: Pour batter into the warm skillet with melted butter.

Step 10: Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.