I love this post!
White beans (great northern or Navy) and cornbread is a staple here in Ohio. It's one of those feel-good dishes that brings up childhood memories for me. I remember one time in high school after marching band practice, a fellow drummer said he couldn't wait to get home because his mom had made Navy beans and cornbread. Man, I never wanted to go over to his house so badly!
We just made some recently.