Question re: corn meal

[madhen]

I have a cookie recipe that I want to try, and it calls for "finely ground corn meal." Is that regular corn meal? I can't imagine it being finer than that! I have Albers yellow corn meal, and I was intending to use that. Is there a corn meal powder that I'm not aware of?

[nancycg56]

I've bought corn meal that's fine like flour and corn meal that coarser. I guess I would use the one that's like flour.

[2ndGenGranola]

There is a fine cornmeal often called corn flour. I don't see why you can't use whatever you have and just put it in the processor.

[madhen]

Thanks to both for your response! I may try a small amount in the processor, to see if it works. It is the only ingredient I'm missing, and I don't really want to go out and buy a big bag of something I've never heard of until now if I don't like the results!

[nuisance26]

~Corn flour and corn meal are entirely different and are not interchangeable in recipes. Ask me how I know that.
Our supermarkets sell fine cornmeal in the ethnic food aisle. Goya's 1lb bags are about $1.50. And it will say 'fine' on the bag.
Although, I don't see why you couldn't use regular cornmeal unless your finished product needs to be a very light, even texture.~

[madhen]

Well, it is a cookie recipe, so I suspect regular cornmeal might make the texture too coarse. If I can get a small bag, I'll look for it. Thanks for the tip about checking the ethnic aisle!! I would never have thought to check (although I get all my bags of tiny alphabet pasta for the birds there - what is it about tiny alphabet pasta that is so ethnic?) there.

I really want to make these cookies because: a) I joined a cookie challenge for April and b) they are supposed to be "traditional" Native American cookies that are made for a holiday that corresponds with our Easter holiday.

[nuisance26]

~Well, I make these cookies occasionally and I love 'em. They use regular grit cornmeal and I like the texture.

Choco cornmeal cookies

3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup cocoa
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup milk

Bake on lightly greased cookie sheets at 350* for 15 minutes.

.....just cuz I felt like posting a recipe :-) ~

[madhen]

I may try it with regular cornmeal. I went to the store today and searched high and low for "fine" cornmeal, with no luck.

[redeme]

I think that the cornmeal used for polenta is fine ground cornmeal. Might check for it in Bob's Red Mill area or in the starchy section like grits, etc.

[madhen]

I did pick up some polenta meal, as it felt finer than the regular stuff. I also bought some corn flour, just in case. I figured, if it didn't work for the cookies, it would inspire me to make tortillas.

[redeme]

I've been making homemade corn tortillas lately, they are really good. Much better than store bought.