Simple. I follow this recipe which like the one my mother used.
Old Fashioned Hot Water Cornbread
Original Cooking with K Recipe
Ingredient:
2 cups yellow cornmeal
1-1 1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups water, boiling
1-2 cups vegetable oil ***( I use about one half cup total-no need to drown the patties in oil.)
Directions:
Heat enough oil in a large iron skillet or heavy bottom skillet on high heat.
In a medium bowl, mix together cornmeal and salt. Stir in enough boiling hot water that the cornmeal mixture comes together enough to spoon (not too thick and not too thin, kinda like creamy mashed potatoes).
As soon as the oil in the skillet is hot, but not smoking, spoon hot cornmeal mixture in your hands that have been dipped in hot/warm water and then gently place in the hot oil. Fry each in hot oil, turning once, until crisp and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.