Best Warm Johnny Cakes With Wild Blackberries Recipes

TRADITIONAL JOHNNY CAKES

Steps:

• Combine the cornmeal, salt, and sugar in a mixing bowl.Bring the water to a boil in a large saucepan. Gradually pour the cornmeal mixture in a steady stream into the boiling water, whisking constantly. Turn off the heat and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth. Add the butter and whisk until melted and incorporated. Let the batter rest for 15 minutes (this will soften the grains to prevent a gritty texture as well as enable the consistency to thicken). At that point the consistency should resemble that of mashed potatoes. If it's still too runny let it sit a bit longer.
• Heat a cast iron or non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add some butter, oil, or bacon grease to the cast iron pan. If using non-stick still add a little oil/butter.Drop the batter in roughly 1/4 cup scoops onto the frying pan about 3 inches apart. Let the cakes fry undisturbed for several minutes until the edges are browned. This can take anywhere from 6-12 minutes. If you try and flip them too soon they will fall apart in a mushy mess so be patient. Once the edges are browned flip the cakes over and use a spatula to press them down to a thickness of no more than 1/4 inch so they can become nice and crispy. Continue to fry on the other side for several more minutes until the cakes are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Add a little more oil or butter when you flip them over to fry them on the other side.Transfer the cakes to a wire rack placed on baking sheet and put them in a warmed oven to keep warm while you make another batch.
• Serve hot with butter, maple butter, maple syrup, or applesauce.Makes twelve 3-inch Johnny cakes.

JOHNNY CAKES WITH HORSERADISH CREME FRAICHE AND SMOKED TROUT

Steps:

• For the horseradish creme fraiche: Whisk together the creme fraiche, horseradish and mustard in a small bowl. Season with salt, and pepper, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
• For the Johnny cakes: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl.
• Whisk the egg yolks and milk together in a medium bowl until combined. Whisk the egg whites in a medium bowl until stiff peaks form.
• Add the egg-milk mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the egg whites, then 2 tablespoons of the melted butter and mix until the batter is just smooth. Let rest for 10 minutes.
• Heat a large nonstick saute pan or cast iron pan or griddle over medium-high heat. Brush with some of the remaining melted butter. Spoon 2 heaping tablespoons of the batter into the pan for each johnnycake and using a small offset spatula, spread the batter slightly to even out the top. Cook until lightly golden brown on each side, about 1 1/2 minutes per side. Remove to a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven until ready to serve. Top each cake with a small dollop of the creme fraiche and some of the trout. Garnish with parsley leaves and a sprinkling of chopped chives.