This classic, three-ingredient Depression-era breakfast

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 3–4 cups water
• ½ tsp salt

(Optional for serving: sugar, butter, syrup, or honey)

🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the mush
   
   • Bring water and salt to a boil.
   • Slowly whisk in the cornmeal to avoid lumps.
   • Reduce heat and cook, stirring often, until thick (about 10–15 minutes).
3. Set it
   
   • Pour the thick mixture into a greased pan or dish.
   • Smooth the top and let it cool completely (refrigerate for a few hours or overnight until firm).
5. Slice & fry
   
   • Cut into squares or rectangles.
   • Fry in a pan with butter or oil over medium heat until golden and crispy on both sides.
7. Serve
   
   • Sprinkle with sugar (like in the image), or serve with syrup, honey, or even savory toppings.

💡 Tip

The crisp outside + soft inside is the magic—don’t rush the frying step.