Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Melt the butter in the bottom of a large bowl. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the butter into a 8- or 9-inch square baking pan (or approximate equivalent) and spread it around to grease the bottom and sides of the pan (using your hands or a pastry brush). Set aside.
In the large bowl with the butter, add the brown sugar (1/4 cup), honey (1/4 cup), egg, and milk (3/4 cup). Whisk to combine. Add the salt (1/4 teaspoon), baking powder (1 teaspoon), and baking soda and whisk together well.
Add the cornmeal (1 cup) and the all-purpose flour (1 cup) and mix to combine until there are no dry spots (do not over-mix). Add the diced pickled jalapeño peppers (1/4 cup) and brine (1 tablespoon). Fold in until mixed evenly.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the center of the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top and center is cooked (check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center to see if it comes out clean).
Allow to cool for at least 5 minutes in the pan. Slice into 12 pieces (or however many you prefer) and serve.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions: white sugar may be substituted for brown; granulated sugar may be substituted for honey; gluten-free flour mix may be substituted for all-purpose; fresh jalapeños may be substituted for pickled (and the brine omitted); plant-based milk substitute such as soy may be substituted for the milk; ghee or oil may be substituted for the butter.
To make this in a cast iron skillet, preheat a 10" skillet in the oven while it warms up. Once the oven is preheated, remove the skillet and add 1 tablespoon butter (or bacon grease, if you have it!) and allow it to melt, coating the bottom and sides. Pour the cornbread batter in and bake according to directions. (recipe for honey skillet cornbread)
Storage: store cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. I recommend reheating in the microwave for a few seconds before eating.