Ingredients
1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
3/4 c. Pecan halves
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 3/4 c. coarse yellow cornmeal
3/4 c. all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
6 Medjool dates
2 large eggs
1 c. milk
3 tbsp. honey
6 tbsp. unsalted butter
Preparation
Step 1Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. In a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, toast the cumin seeds over moderate heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Let cool, then transfer to a mortar and grind to a powder. Spread the pecans in a pie plate and toast in the oven for 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Let cool, then coarsely chop the nuts.Step 2Add the oil to the skillet and heat in the oven. In a large bowl, whisk the cornmeal with the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Stir in the dates, pecans and cumin. In a medium bowl, mix the eggs, milk, honey and butter; then gently stir into the cornmeal just until blended.Step 3Tilt the hot skillet to coat it with oil. Pour the corn bread batter into the skillet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown and the top springs back when lightly pressed. Transfer the corn bread to a wire rack to cool, then cut into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.Step 4Make Ahead: The corn bread can be baked 8 hours ahead. Rewarm before serving.
