My aunt's 'secret' cornbread recipe cost me $40 and a burnt pan

So my aunt always said her cornbread was special because she used a specific cast iron skillet she bought on a trip to Savannah. I finally tracked down the same exact brand online, paid $40 plus shipping. Turns out, the 'secret' was just preheating the skillet with a bit of oil before the batter goes in, which you can do with any old pan. Mine warped in the oven and now I'm out the cash. Anyone have a good cornbread recipe that doesn't require a special purchase?