Make a pre-mix then use it when you need to rustle up this treat in a hurry.
BASIC READY-MIX
Makes 1 130 ml (enough for two loaves)
INGREDIENTS: 500 ml (2 c) mealie meal; 500 ml (2 c) cake flour; 80 ml white sugar; 25 ml (5 t) baking powder; 5 ml (1 t) salt.
METHOD: Mix the ingredients in a bowl and spoon into clean, dry containers. Store the ready-mix in a cool, dry place for up to two months.
MEALIE LOAF
Makes 1 loaf
INGREDIENTS: 560 ml (2¼ c) ready-mix; 250 ml (1 c) milk; 60 ml (¼ c) oil; 2 eggs.
METHOD: Preheat the oven to 200 deg C and grease an 18 x 7 x 6 cm loaf tin with margarine. Put the ready-mix in a large mixing bowl and make a well in the middle. Whisk together the milk, oil and eggs and pour the mixture into the well. Stir until just blended - the mixture must still be slightly lumpy.
Turn the batter into the prepared loaf tin, spreading it evenly. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until golden and a skewer inserted in the middle of the loaf comes out clean.
VARIATION: For cheese mealie bread: use only 500 ml (2 c) basic ready-mix and 1 egg, add 2 ml (½ t) chilli powder and 125 ml (½ c) grated Cheddar cheese and mix. Bake for 20 minutes, sprinkle 125 ml (½ c) cheese on top and bake until done.