Jessica,

What you are describing sounds like what we call Corn Pone, or Hot Water Cornbread, down here in the south. Does this recipe look similar to the one you remember your Mom making?

Brenda

CORN PONE

1 tablespoon of shortening
3/4 cup of boiling water
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 teaspoon of salt

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Melt shortening in heavy 8 or 9-inch skillet that can be put in the oven - no plastic handles (cast iron is best).

Heat water to boiling point and pour immediately over corn meal and salt. Add melted shortening; stir to blend well.

Pour batter into hot skillet and bake at 450 degrees F for about 50 minutes or until golden brown.

You can also let the corn meal mixture cool just enough to handle, then shape into four equal size "pones" about 3/4-inch thick, arrange in the hot skillet and bake as directed above.