I’m going to talk to you about corn pudding. I am.
But there’s so much else to say today. This life is some kinda crazy.
It’s complicated, busy, hard, and then the clouds clear and the sun comes out, until it swings back the other way again. It’s always a balance, but it seems to come in seasons, right? And I have to tell you. This has just been a really hard season for so many of our people.
Last night we attended the funeral for Bjork’s precious aunt Glori, to celebrate the full and joyful life she lived and the mark she left on the world. Glori was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease at age 53 and after living with it for more than five years, she left this physical world and went home. She will be remembered for being smart, like, college professor smart, and funny, with a loud and confident laugh, and movie-star beautiful. When I think about her, I always just think about her name. Glori. Can’t you just imagine her?
I’m writing a little about Glori today because her story is on my heart, and it’s hard to write about something, ahem Thanksgiving corn pudding, when your heart is full with something so much deeper. I’m also sharing about her because I think stories like Glori’s remind us about what’s important and inspire us to live better.
“She liked being reminded of butterflies. She remembered being six or seven and crying over the fates of the butterflies in her yard after learning that they lived for only a few days. Her mother had comforted her and told her not to be sad for the butterflies, that just because their lives were short didn’t mean they were tragic. Watching them flying in the warm sun among the daisies in their garden, her mother had said to her, see, they have a beautiful life. Alice liked remembering that.”
This beautiful quote is from a book called Still Alice by Lisa Genova about a woman living with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. I actually read this book a few years ago, when Glori was first diagnosed, and it was incredibly moving, probably mostly because the main character Alice reminded me so much of Glori. If you have an open heart to the experiences of people living with dementia and a box of Kleenex at the ready, I highly recommend it. Highly, highly.
I guess it all kind of comes full circle in a weird Thanksgiving corn pudding kind of way because this is a recipe that will most likely be shared during the holidays with family and friends as we celebrate the things we’re thankful for. Things like comforting food, time with our favorite people, and health.
This recipe is actually a variation old favorite from our neighbors growing up in small town Minnesota. The original version had a box of Jiffy mix and a nice heaping cup of sour cream. For this new version, healthy is a stretch, but it has a made-from-scratch cornmeal base and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. And BOOM. It still embodies the delicious home baked creamy corn pudding thing. Two thumbs up.
We’re talking buttery, creamy, just slightly sticky and a little bit sweet, and the golden onion crunchification of the top layer is a force to be reckoned with. Corn pudding is my contribution to family Thanksgiving this year, and with our crew, we always, always, always, always eat the whole pan. None left. Always. It’s a crowd-pleaser and there’s no getting around it.
Happy early Thanksgiving to you! I’m grateful that we can share real life.
This creamy corn pudding with crispy onions and herbs is perfect for Thanksgiving. It is so simple and comes together in a flash.
Ingredients
Scale
2/3 cup yellow cornmeal
2/3 cup flour
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons oil
1 cup light sour cream or Greek yogurt (I used a half cup of each)
1/2 cup salted butter, melted
1 egg
1 15-ounce can regular corn, drained
1 15-ounce can cream style corn
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups crispy onions (I buy the ones in the salad section)
1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley or other herb of choice
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350. Combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and oil in a bowl. Work the mixture with a fork until no longer clumpy.
In a separate bowl, whisk the Greek yogurt, sour cream, butter, and egg until smooth. Add the corn, cream corn, and dry mix from step one, and stir until just combined.
Pour into a greased 9×13 baking dish and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven, top with crispy onions, and return to oven for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with herbs before serving.
Notes
Nutrition information is for the corn pudding without toppings.
What a lovely heartfelt book! These are the kind of book I need when I good cry.
the pudding is glorious! That topping is something else and I can not believe it is so easy
Thank you Christine. I am really interested in reading her other books now that I’ve been reminded of Still Alice again recently. She has some really strong, emotional themes but I think sometimes those are good to think about, to understand what other people are going through better.
Love corn pudding and will definitely try this.
I highly recommend ‘Left Neglected by Lisa Genova. As a rehab nurse I saw this phenomenon often, and was amazed at the Entirety of the neglect. Very good, thorough author.
What a beautiful story. So much goodness in the love of family.
This recipe looks wonderful. I want to make ahead to take to a friend’s party……. can I make this in an electric skillet pan or even a crackpot? OR will it be good to re-heat after a few hours? I need to drop it off like 2 hours before we gather for dinner…
I am so sorry for your and Bjork’s loss Lindsay. Glori sounds like a wonderful woman. Thank you for sharing a little bit about her with us.
About 5 years ago, I brought old school corn pudding (the Jiffy box/sour cream kind) to our family turkey day, and they have requested I bake it every year since. I think this Thanksgiving, I’m going to pull a switcheroo for this more wholesome version. I already know they are going to love it 🙂
I’m so sorry for your guys’ loss. Glori seems like an absolute gem. 🙂
I recently just had my first corn pudding (in Iowa no less) and it was amazing – I love the herby version here as well. I might have to put this on the Turkey Day menu this year!
Sorry to hear about Bjork’s grandma. She sounds like a beautiful woman. My grandfather also died of alzheimers, and I have been meaning to read that book for a while. Glad to hear it is helpful.
And this creamy corn pudding sounds delicious, I hope you enjoy it this Thanksgiving.
I’m so sorry to hear about Bjork’s aunt. 🙁 Many hugs and prayers going out to your fam. This corn pudding looks like the perfect comfort food — definitely something I’d want to share with my loved ones at the holidays.
Sounds like Bjork’s aunt Glori was glorious to be around!
So sorry for yalls loss – prayers for strength for yall family.
This pudding looks great! I haven’t experimented with cornmeal, never thought it could be made into a pudding with this consistency – thanks bunches for sharing!
My thoughts are with your family. Losses such as the are huge in our lives but as you said, the sun does shine again and our losses become fond and loving memories.
“Still Alice” is absolutely one of my most favorite books. It’s poignant, sad, happy and beautifully written. “Love Anthony” is another great book by Lisa Genova.
Still Alice is one of my favorite books! I think it stuck with me especially being told from her perspective and having people in the family with memory issues.
Your description of Glori is beautiful. So sorry for your loss.
Yes, you’re so right. I had forgotten about that part. Like how you read from her perspective as she finds those notes and lists she left for herself…thanks for the comment Kelly.
I always thought Corn Pudding was sweet and less savory. I never really cared too much for it because of the texture. Its good but its a texture thing for me. This looks really good though.
I noticed you paid a visit to my blog! Thanks so much for being supportive! Wish I could have told you that at a better time… I’m so sorry for your loss! It’s always incredibly tough to lose someone who’s really just too young to go… I hope you and Bjork can find comfort in spending time with your family on Thanksgiving!
And I never before had heard of corn pudding (is that weird), but it sure looks intriguing!
this may sound odd, but is this a dessert type pudding or side dish type pudding. It looks good enough for either but as a non-american in charge of a vegetarian side dish at her first thanksgiving this year I have an ulteria motive for asking 🙂
It’s usually a side dish for us. With the onions and herbs on there, it really does taste more like your traditional corn that just happens to be baked up a bit. In my opinion, it goes perfectly with the other Thanksgiving traditional dishes like turkey, gravy, and mashed potatoes. YUM.
What a beautiful story- sounds like Glori was a dynamic woman. I love how food memories can be so strong and help remind us of those who have gone before us. Sending warm thoughts to your and Bjork from DC!
So sorry for you and Bjork’s loss. Working in healthcare, Alzheimers is one of the most diffiuclt diseases to see. I also read Still Alice a couple of years ago and it gave such great insight into Alzheimers, especially early-onset. I’m so glad you have wonderful memories of Glori!
I’m so sorry for your loss. Alzheimer’s is such an incredibly cruel disease for all of those involved. I read Still Alice on a beach in Costa Rica and cried my eyes out while laying on the sand. It’s a beautiful book.
And on the brighter side of things, I can’t wait to make this corn pudding.
Rachel
What a lovely heartfelt book! These are the kind of book I need when I good cry.
the pudding is glorious! That topping is something else and I can not believe it is so easy
Lovely corn pudding and the photos are awesome. I also read the book a few years ago and also her book Left Neglected. I couldn’t put them down.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Thank you Christine. I am really interested in reading her other books now that I’ve been reminded of Still Alice again recently. She has some really strong, emotional themes but I think sometimes those are good to think about, to understand what other people are going through better.
Love corn pudding and will definitely try this.
I highly recommend ‘Left Neglected by Lisa Genova. As a rehab nurse I saw this phenomenon often, and was amazed at the Entirety of the neglect. Very good, thorough author.
What a beautiful way to commemorate her. Food is a grounding force, thanks for sharing the story behind this dish.
And my condolences to you and Bjork. So sorry to hear of your loss.
Thank you Christina. I feel like you get me. 🙂
I am so sorry for yours and Bjork’s loss, but you wrote a beautiful post and I will have to get that book, it sound pretty awesome!
This corn pudding could not look more perfect! Yum!
Thanks Tieghan! The book is really moving… I hope you have a chance to read it!
What a beautiful story. So much goodness in the love of family.
This recipe looks wonderful. I want to make ahead to take to a friend’s party……. can I make this in an electric skillet pan or even a crackpot? OR will it be good to re-heat after a few hours? I need to drop it off like 2 hours before we gather for dinner…
I am so sorry for your and Bjork’s loss Lindsay. Glori sounds like a wonderful woman. Thank you for sharing a little bit about her with us.
About 5 years ago, I brought old school corn pudding (the Jiffy box/sour cream kind) to our family turkey day, and they have requested I bake it every year since. I think this Thanksgiving, I’m going to pull a switcheroo for this more wholesome version. I already know they are going to love it 🙂
It’s SO ridiculously good. Almost embarrassing, since it’s so simple. But we just love it. 🙂 Glad you do too!
Hello. Did you make the pudding for thanksgiving? If so how did the family enjoy it
This is a lovely post. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Kristel.
I’m so sorry for your guys’ loss. Glori seems like an absolute gem. 🙂
I recently just had my first corn pudding (in Iowa no less) and it was amazing – I love the herby version here as well. I might have to put this on the Turkey Day menu this year!
Thank you Megan. The word Gem is just perfect. 🙂 And Iowa WOULD give you corn pudding. Yay Midwest!
I am sorry about Glori (beautiful name). My condolences to you guys.
Isn’t it? I just love her name. Thanks Bintu.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing someone you care about hurts deeply. Prayers for the family.
Thank you Melanie.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s always hard losing someone, but I feel like this time of the year is the worst 🙁
I agree. It’s like the winter of the soul for so many people.
Sorry to hear about Bjork’s grandma. She sounds like a beautiful woman. My grandfather also died of alzheimers, and I have been meaning to read that book for a while. Glad to hear it is helpful.
And this creamy corn pudding sounds delicious, I hope you enjoy it this Thanksgiving.
Sorry for your loss. Alzheimers is such a scary/sad disease. I need to get my hands on that book.
This corn pudding sounds fantastic on this dreary day.
I’m so sorry to hear about Bjork’s aunt. 🙁 Many hugs and prayers going out to your fam. This corn pudding looks like the perfect comfort food — definitely something I’d want to share with my loved ones at the holidays.
Thanks Stephanie. Hoping to see you soon!
This looks so yummy. love the crisp onions on top.
Sounds like Bjork’s aunt Glori was glorious to be around!
So sorry for yalls loss – prayers for strength for yall family.
This pudding looks great! I haven’t experimented with cornmeal, never thought it could be made into a pudding with this consistency – thanks bunches for sharing!
Thanks Shashi, that means a lot.
My thoughts are with your family. Losses such as the are huge in our lives but as you said, the sun does shine again and our losses become fond and loving memories.
“Still Alice” is absolutely one of my most favorite books. It’s poignant, sad, happy and beautifully written. “Love Anthony” is another great book by Lisa Genova.
I’ve been wanting to read that now that I’ve kind of rediscovered Lisa Genova. Thanks for the rec!
Still Alice is one of my favorite books! I think it stuck with me especially being told from her perspective and having people in the family with memory issues.
Your description of Glori is beautiful. So sorry for your loss.
Yes, you’re so right. I had forgotten about that part. Like how you read from her perspective as she finds those notes and lists she left for herself…thanks for the comment Kelly.
I always thought Corn Pudding was sweet and less savory. I never really cared too much for it because of the texture. Its good but its a texture thing for me. This looks really good though.
My condolences to both you and Bjork.
Thank you Mireya.
Hi Lindsay,
I noticed you paid a visit to my blog! Thanks so much for being supportive! Wish I could have told you that at a better time… I’m so sorry for your loss! It’s always incredibly tough to lose someone who’s really just too young to go… I hope you and Bjork can find comfort in spending time with your family on Thanksgiving!
And I never before had heard of corn pudding (is that weird), but it sure looks intriguing!
xoxo
Thanks Nila!
this may sound odd, but is this a dessert type pudding or side dish type pudding. It looks good enough for either but as a non-american in charge of a vegetarian side dish at her first thanksgiving this year I have an ulteria motive for asking 🙂
It’s usually a side dish for us. With the onions and herbs on there, it really does taste more like your traditional corn that just happens to be baked up a bit. In my opinion, it goes perfectly with the other Thanksgiving traditional dishes like turkey, gravy, and mashed potatoes. YUM.
thanks so much! I think I’ll give it a go!
We don’t do corn pudding like this here in Canada (or at least not that I know of) but I have seen a few recipes now and really need to try it!
What a beautiful story- sounds like Glori was a dynamic woman. I love how food memories can be so strong and help remind us of those who have gone before us. Sending warm thoughts to your and Bjork from DC!
So sorry for you and Bjork’s loss. Working in healthcare, Alzheimers is one of the most diffiuclt diseases to see. I also read Still Alice a couple of years ago and it gave such great insight into Alzheimers, especially early-onset. I’m so glad you have wonderful memories of Glori!
I believe it. Thank you for your sweet comment Taylor! Keep up the wonderful work you do in healthcare.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Alzheimer’s is such an incredibly cruel disease for all of those involved. I read Still Alice on a beach in Costa Rica and cried my eyes out while laying on the sand. It’s a beautiful book.
And on the brighter side of things, I can’t wait to make this corn pudding.
You and I both. Although I think I was just laying on the couch. 🙂 Thanks for the comment!