Savory Ham and Scallion Corn Cakes #quarantinecooking #cookathome #brunch #brinner #comfortfood

As we continue to #StayAtHome to fight the coronavirus, I'm sharing some of my favorite easy-to-make comfort foods that you can enjoy with minimum work...and maximum flavor! My Savory Ham and Scallion Corn Cakes make a great weekend brunch or breakfast for dinner entrée -- and they're a snap to make using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Economical packaged cornbread mix is the base for these pancakes -- which are flavored with savory ham, sweet corn, scallions, and cheddar. Just before serving, they're topped with sour cream, salsa, and more cheddar. They're definitely not your typical pancake!

Savory Ham and Scallion Corn Cakes

adapted from Southern Living

Ingredients (makes 6 pancakes):

• 6-ounce package buttermilk cornbread mix
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 3/4 cup corn kernels
• 3/4 cup diced cooked ham [NOTE: can sub cooked, chopped bacon]
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp. hot sauce [NOTE: I used Crystal hot sauce]
• 1 cup 2% milk 
• 3 tsp. butter
• Salt & pepper to taste
• For topping: light sour cream, salsa, and shredded cheddar

Directions:

Step 1: Add the cornbread mix, hot sauce, green onion, corn, ham, and cheddar cheese to a large mixing bowl. Add the salt & pepper and milk. Mix until the wet and dry ingredients are completely combined and a thick batter forms.

Step 2: Place a non-stick skillet over med-high heat. Add 1 tsp. of butter and melt until it bubbles. When the butter is hot, reduce heat to medium and add two 1/4-cup scoops of batter to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the underside is crispy and golden -- there will be small bubbles on top of the corn cakes when they're ready to flip. Carefully flip the corn cakes over and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Repeat this process two more times using 1 tsp. of butter per batch.

Step 3: To serve, place two corn cakes on a plate. Top with a dollop of light sour cream, a spoon of chunky salsa, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar. This is a complete meal as is, but over-easy eggs and a fresh fruit salad are perfect pairings for this dish.

These savory corn cakes are so good...crispy on the outside, and fluffy inside. They taste similar to cornbread, with bursts of flavor and texture from sweet corn, smoky ham, and a mild onion flavor. The sour cream and salsa toppings take these corn cakes straight over the top. I hope you'll whip up a batch of these uniquely tasty corn cakes...they're sure to be a hit with your family!