Preheat oven to 425° F. Butter an 8X8 metal or glass baking pan.
In a medium bowl whisk flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg and salt. In another medium bowl — lightly beat eggs, then add buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla and zest.
Add wet ingredients into the dry and stir until the batter comes together but isn't over mixed. Pour into the prepared pan, then level batter with a knife or offset spatula.
Place on the center rack and bake for 18-22 minutes or until the top begins to brown, edges start to pull from the side, and a center toothpick comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes on a wire rack, then serve warm or let cool further.
Fresh or Macerated Strawberries
Add sliced strawberries, sugar and orange juice to a bowl and stir. Let stand 15 to 20 minutes until slightly softened.
Fresh Cinnamon Honey Whipped Cream
About 15 minutes before ready to serve, chill a medium-sized (preferably glass or metal) bowl and the beaters from your electric mixer in the freezer.
Using an electric mixer starting on low to medium-low, beat cream and mascarpone until thick. Increase speed to medium-high and add powdered sugar, vanilla, spices and stream honey; continue beating until soft/stiff peaks form. Avoid over beating.
Assembly
Cut cornbread in nine, then horizontally in half. Add whipped cream, then layer strawberries, then add more whipped cream. Add top and serve and enjoy!
Notes
Adapted from this helpful book
Cornbread keeps wrapped tight and stored room temperature for a couple days but of course is best hour one.
Cornbread is best re-heat in the oven, as the top gets crisp and the inside soft.