Cracklin' Cornbread

Cracklins are small pieces of salt pork that have been slowly fried until crisp and dry.

1 teaspoon vegetable oil
2 cups cornmeal
1/2 cup boiling water
2 tablespoons butter (at room temperature)
3 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons salt
1 cup cracklins
1 teaspoon baking powder

Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a heavy 10-inch cast-iron skillet generously with oil. Place in oven.

Place cornmeal in mixing bowl; add boiling water. Mix lightly; add butter and stir until it has melted. Beat eggs thoroughly; add milk and salt. Pour over cornmeal mixture and blend. Stir in baking powder and cracklins. Pour batter quickly into heated skillet and place immediately in the hot oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until surface is firm to the touch.

Slice into wedges in the pan.