Real cornbread is light, but has a nubbly texture. A thin, lightly browned crust over a deep gold interior, flecked with amber. The taste is complex, slightly sweet, nutty, and warm. Split open while still warm, it screams for butter and wild honey.
Thanksgiving IS gravy. Second only to aged boozy eggnog in its importance on my holiday table. For my husband, turkey, stuffing, potatoes, flaky yeast rolls, even Brussels sprouts and cranberries are mere vehicles by which gravy is transported from plate to palate. One day a year, it is a food group of its own.