diy essentials: freshly ground cornmeal

How To Make diy essentials: freshly ground cornmeal

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  Step 1
  PREP/PREPARE
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  Step 2
  To make this recipe, you will need a good blender/grinder, or a lot of time with a mortar and pestle. My grinder of choice is a Vitamix… what a machine.
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  Step 3
  Why Make Cornmeal? I mean, they sell the stuff at the grocer, yes? There are a couple of reasons why I choose to make my own. 1. It is actually cheaper… not by much, but it does save you a few shillings. 2. You can choose the type of corn you use for the grinding. 3. Many types of “store bought” cornmeal are de-germinated. By removing the germ from the whole grain, the product will have a longer shelf life. However, that oil-rich and vitamin-packed germ is also where a lot of the nutrition lives. Grinding your own means you can preserve the whole grain, with less worry about rancidity. Simply grind meal as you need it, or store small batches in your freezer for maximum preservation. 4. Store bought cornmeal has more in it besides corn… there are preservatives, and anti-caking chemicals. Things that I would rather not have in my recipes.
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  Step 4
  What to use for Making Cornmeal? You could use fresh corn, cut off the cob, or the frozen variety, but you will have to dehydrate the corn, and that can take about a day in a dehydrator or the oven. Or you could use something you probably have lurking in your cabinet… popcorn. Yep, good old popcorn. It works great, there are no chemicals or preservatives, and you have the whole kernel. I have tried all three methods, and as far as flavor goes, they all taste the same… So, drag out that jar of Orville Redenbacher’s and get to work.
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  Step 5
  Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
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  Step 6
  Measure out a cup of popcorn kernels. FYI: 1 cup of corn kernels will yield about 1 1/4 cups of cornmeal.
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  Step 7
  Add them to a good blender.
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  Step 8
  Blend until you arrive at the desired grind… From coarse to fine.
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  Step 9
  PLATE/PRESENT
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  Step 10
  Store until needed and use in any recipe that calls for cornmeal. Enjoy.
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  Step 11
  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
• Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!