Illeana Douglas and Her Awesome Cornbread

News flash! Actress Illeana Douglas makes incredible cornbread.

Two weeks ago when she was recording

an interview with The Business’s Kim Masters about her web series Easy to Assemble we learned that her cornbread has become somewhat famous amongst her friends and colleagues. The band members of Rascal Flats are fans and now pretty much all of us at KCRW are too. The recipe was handed down from her mother but Illeana has added her own unique touches. In addition to her mother’s secret ingredient peanut oil, Illeana adds pumpkin, maple syrup, yogurt, hazelnut and a pinch of cinnamon. The result is somewhat more cakey than bready but no one’s complaining. It could be eaten for breakfast or as dessert with a dollop of creme fraiche or ice cream on top.

I found her willingness to experiment with the recipe inspiring. Plus, now we know that a little pumpkin puree in cornbread is a good idea.