Tamale Pie

1. Spray cast-iron skillet with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Add the onion, bell pepper and garlic to the skillet and cook over medium heat until the vegetables are softened and the onions are turning golden brown.

3. Add ground beef to the onion mixture and continue cooking to thoroughly brown the beef.

4. Drain fat off of ground beef and stir in picante sauce and chili powder. Cook and stir for 10 minutes to meld the flavors. Taste to check seasoning. If more spice is needed, add additional chili powder and a little salt and red pepper, if desired.

5. Spread corn over meat mixture. Top with chilies and cheese.

6. Pour cornbread batter over chilies.

7. Put skillet in 375-degree oven and bake for 25 minutes or until cornbread is turning golden brown and is cooked through.

8. Remove casserole from oven and allow it to cool for at least 5minutes.

9. Slice and serve with additional toppings or serve plain.

Golden Cornbread

Serves 6 to 8. This recipe from Martha White is a good, basic cornbread.

2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup milk
1/4 cup oil or melted shortening
11/2 cups yellow corn meal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
21/4 tsps. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt

1. In large bowl, combine all ingredients; mix well.

2. Use as the batter in Tamale Pie recipe or pour the batter into a greased 8- or 9-inch-square pan

3. Bake at 450 degrees for 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.


*Source: the Advocate - Baton Rouge, La