Bobota (islander Corn Bread)

Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 50 mins

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon double-acting baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1/3 cup orange juice
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, warmed
• 1 teaspoon grated orange peel
• 1/2 cup currants
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 stick cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon honey confectioners' sugar (optional)

Recipe

• 1 combine sugar, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a medium-sized saucepan, and bring to a boil. simmer for 20 minutes.
• 2 remove from heat and add honey. return syrup to low heat and simmer for 2 minutes. remove from heat.
• 3 preheat oven to 375*.
• 4 sift all dry ingredients into a large bowl. combine the honey, orange juice, warm water, and warm oil. stir into dry mixture, beating until smooth.
• 5 fold in orange peel and currants. pour batter into a well-greased 7x7 by 2-inch pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until golden.
• 6 leave in pan to cool, then pour warm basic sweet syrup over it or sprinkle with confectioner's sugar. cut into squares and serve immediately.
• 7 note: syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for 1 month. to use, bring to room temperature.