1 c. yellow cornmeal
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/3 c. melted shortening
2 eggs
2/3 c. buttermilk or 8 oz. sour cream
1 c. grated Cheddar cheese
4 to 6 jalapeno peppers, seeds removed and chopped

Combine cornmeal, salt, and soda. Mix well. Stir in shortening. Add beaten eggs. Stir in cornmeal and buttermilk. Pour half of batter in a greased 12-inch iron skillet or 9-inch square pan. Sprinkle cheese and chopped peppers on top of batter and add remaining half of the batter. Bake at 275 degrees for 50 to 55 minutes.