Southern Style Cornbread - The "REAL" Cornbread

Hey Everyone:

Greetings to all of you! I hope spring is treating you well so far. Enjoy it because the heat and humidity of summer aren’t too far behind!

Lately, the weather’s been beautiful. Not too cold, and certainly not too hot. Just perfect for baking! Honestly, blue skies, puffy clouds, and warm temps inspire me, and call me to the kitchen for some serious baking.

Just the other day, I found myself on the receiving end of a hot, buttery pan of my favorite cornbread. My oven mitts cradled the hot pan as I gently pulled it from the oven and held it to my nose. Sweet, corny notes wafted up at me and I nearly drooled thinking about the butter and honey I’d pile on top. I was hard-pressed to wait for a thick, luscious slice.

Just as I pulled my oven mitts off and put the tea kettle on, my doorbell rang. It was my lovely Southern neighbor from across the street.

“Hey, c’mon in,” I said, giving her a hug. “I’ve got southern cornbread cooling, and some tea brewing. Would you like to join me?”

“That would be absolutely lovely,” she said in her soft, sweet voice.

I laid out two big plates with two big forks, along with the honey jar and the crock of real butter. One big slice for me, and one big slice for her. Tall, soft, and moist, those golden slices were my pride and joy.

I looked at my neighbor, and she looked at me. She had that look – THAT LOOK – the one that said she was confused and I’d messed up again.

“How’s the cornbread,” I asked, a hesitant breath caught in my throat.

“Oh, bless your heart,” she said in that confident, graceful way of hers.

“What’s wrong with the cornbread,” I asked.

“Well…I guess…nothing…if you’re not from the South.”

I reminded her that, in fact, I am not from the South.

“Well, that’s fine. But you know what?” She raised one eyebrow that implied I should already know the answer.

But I said nothing, so she finished her thought. “If you’re gonna live in the South, you should cook like the South. Know what I mean?”

There was that eyebrow again. “Otherwise,” she said with the wisdom of a sage, “No one’s gonna like this. And you don’t wanna look like a fool.” She drawled out that last word like the answer was obvious.

Well, I have to say, she was right. If I wanted to impress my Southern Peeps with cornbread and call it “southern”, then by golly, it should be southern.

I had no idea there was a difference! But I quickly learned that “real” southern cornbread isn’t anything like the cakey, sweet cornbread of the North. Instead, it’s made with bacon grease and butter, in a screaming hot cast iron skillet, and the option to add sugar, or not. It’s a short, crumbly concoction, but makes a perfect side for chili or barbecue. And yes, it’s delicious!

So, next time I’m set to impress, it’ll be Southern Style for me!

And speaking of style, I think that’s something we can all take forward in marketing. Style creates cohesion, clarity, and direction. It represents the look and voice of our brand. It set us apart, yet draws us closer to the people we can help the most. It gives us credibility, authority, and most importantly, a personality.

Style aligns us with out target market, and allows us to speak to them in a way that makes sends to them. And when things make sense, sales happen…over and over again. So, let’s market with style!

If you’re looking to engage your market in their voice and style let me know because I can help. Just give me a call, and we’ll design a plan that speaks to your prospect in a way that makes sense to them. Email me at [email protected] to set an appointment.

Here’s to cornbread and a real southern style!

Mary Vosika | Owner-Director | True Voice Marketing Solutions

P.S. If you need help contact me at [email protected].