Dessert: Spicy Creamed-Corn Cakes with Scallions

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Honey

Health benefits of Spicy Creamed-Corn Cakes with Scallions

Honey, often hailed as a superfood, possesses a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. With a glycemic index (GI) of 55 for one tablespoon, honey is considered a moderate GI food. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as high or as quickly as high-GI foods, making it a better choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting overall health.

Rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, honey offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, the natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost, making it an excellent option for a pre-workout snack or a natural sweetener in beverages and meals.

Honey's benefits extend beyond its nutritional profile. Its antimicrobial properties make it a natural remedy for wounds and burns, promoting healing by providing a moist environment and acting as a barrier to infection. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and coughs, thanks to its ability to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to consume honey in moderation. While it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in large amounts. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's crucial to account for honey's GI and its effects on blood sugar.

Choosing raw, unprocessed honey can also maximize its health benefits. Raw honey is more likely to retain its antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be lost during processing. Incorporating honey into your diet can be as simple as adding it to yogurt, drizzling it over oatmeal, or blending it into smoothies. Its natural sweetness and health-promoting properties make honey a superfood worth including in a healthy, balanced diet.

Ingredients

1 cup buttermilk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup canned creamed corn
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
5 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups stone-ground yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 scallions, thinly sliced
1 cup corn kernels, thawed if frozen
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Softened butter and honey, for serving

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325 °. In a blender, combine the buttermilk, heavy cream, creamed corn, whole eggs, egg yolks and 2 tablespoons of the oil and puree.
In a large bowl, whisk the cornmeal with the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Slowly stir in the wet ingredients and fold in the scallions, corn kernels and jalapeño. Do not overmix; there should be a few lumps.
Heat a large cast iron skillet. Add 1/2 tablespoon of the vegetable oil until shimmering. Spoon three 1/3 cup portions of the batter into the skillet and cook over moderately high heat until starting to brown around the edges, about 1 minute. Add 1 teaspoon of the butter to the skillet and cook until bubbles form on the surface of the cakes, about 2 minutes. Flip the cakes and cook until browned on the second side. Transfer them to a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven. Repeat with the remaining oil, batter and butter. Serve the corn cakes hot, with butter and honey.