Instructions: Char bell pepper over gas flame or in broiler until blackened on all sides. Enclose in paper bag 10 minutes. Peel and seed pepper; cut into 1/3-inch-wide strips. Set aside.

Position rack in center of oven; preheat to 400 degrees. Generously coat 10-inch-diameter ovenproof skillet with vegetable shortening. Whisk flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt in large bowl to blend. Whisk buttermilk, creamed corn, melted butter, egg, and hot pepper sauce in medium bowl to blend. Add buttermilk mixture to dry ingredients and stir just until moistened. Transfer batter to prepared skillet. Arrange bell pepper strips in spoke pattern atop batter. Sprinkle with sliced green onions.

Bake corn bread until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Cool 15 minutes. Serve corn bread warm from skillet.

This recipe yields 6 servings.

Comments: Heres the traditional southern way to bake and serve corn bread: right in the skillet. Using shortening to grease the pan produces a nice, brown crust.

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