Jalapeno Corn Bread

MAKES ONE 12-BY-4 1/2 -INCH LOAF. Preheat the oven to 400. Butter a 12-by-4 1/2-inch (or 2 8-by-5-inch) loaf pan. Heat the olive oil in a small skillet. Add the jalapenos, red pepper and corn and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until wilted, about 4 minutes. Scrape the mixture onto a plate and let cool completely. In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in 1/2 cup of water. Stir in the vegetable oil. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt. Using an electric mixer, beat the dry ingredients into the sugar mixture. Add the eggs and the cooked vegetables and beat until just blended. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 45 minutes, or until golden brown and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean; if the top browns too quickly, cover it with foil. Turn the corn bread out onto a rack to cool before slicing.