Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for achieving the perfect rise and texture.
Grease an 8-inch square pan or a similar baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray. Making sure it’s well-greased prevents the cornbread from sticking, allowing for easy removal once it’s baked.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Ensure that everything is well-combined. This is the base of your cornbread, and blending it thoroughly sets you up for success.
Now, sift in the Pamela's Baking & Pancake Mix, yellow cornmeal, and sea salt. If you're using sugar, add it now. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Watch out for overmixing, as that can lead to a denser cornbread!
Gently fold in the finely chopped chives. They add a burst of color and flavor, elevating your cornbread from standard to sensational.
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Smooth it out with a spatula for even baking. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Once done, remove it from the oven. Let the cornbread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, slice it into squares and consider serving it warm with a pat of butter on top.