Preparation: Preheat your oven and grease your baking dish or skillet. This simple step ensures a beautifully baked cornbread that won’t stick.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. This is the foundation of your cornbread; take a moment to appreciate the golden hues and varying textures coming together.

Blending the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and oil (or melted butter). The mingling of these ingredients creates the liquid base that brings moisture and richness to your cornbread.

The Marriage of Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Using a gentle hand, stir until just combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine; overmixing can lead to a dense texture.

Into the Oven: Transfer the batter to your prepared baking dish or skillet, then let the oven work its magic. The aroma that fills your kitchen as the cornbread bakes is nothing short of heavenly.

The Final Act: Once the edges turn a glorious golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, your cornbread is ready. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing into it – if you can resist that tempting aroma!