Ham and Cheese Skillet Cornbread

Ham and Cheese Skillet Cornbread

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter or bacon grease
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 large clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 cup unsalted peanuts, chopped
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 (10-ounce) package cornbread mix
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup milk
1/2 pound cooked ham
3 slices American cheese
Optional: sliced pimiento-stuffed olives

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Melt the butter or bacon grease in a 12" cast-iron or ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and chili powder, and sauté until the onion slices are transparent. Remove from the heat and stir in the peanuts and freshly ground pepper. Stir to mix well.
3. Once the pan has cooled, add the cornbread mix, egg, and milk; combine with the onion mixture. Spread evenly over the bottom of the pan and top with the ham.
4. Bake for 15 minutes, or until cornbread is still moist but a toothpick comes out clean. Top with the cheese and return to the oven; bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Garnish with olive slices, if desired.