Crackling Cornbread

1 . Stage

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Stir together cornmeal, salt, and baking soda in a bowl; set aside. Place shortening into a 9-inch cast iron skillet; place in the preheated oven until the skillet is hot and shortening has melted.

2 . Stage

Bring some water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add pork cracklings and boil until tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Drain, and reserve.

3 . Stage

Meanwhile, beat egg in a bowl along with jalapeño pepper and buttermilk; stir in cracklings. Stir in cornmeal mixture until moistened; pour batter into the preheated skillet.

4 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until top of cornbread is brown, and feels firm to the touch, 30 to 40 minutes. Turn out onto a serving plate and cut into wedges; serve immediately.