2 TEASPOONS TAMALE PIE RECIPES

Steps:

• Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
• In a non stick skillet, brown the ground beef and break it apart using a spoon. Add the onions and green peppers and garlic. Once the meat is cooked, drain off any excess fat. Alternately, transfer the contents of the pan to a plate lined with two paper towels, wipe skillet and return beef to pan.
• After draining excess fat using either method, add the tomatoes, corn, chili powder and 1/2 tablespoon of cornmeal. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Transfer to a one quart casserole.
• Place the milk, cornmeal and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a light boil. Reduce to a simmer and stir frequently until thickened. Alternately, you can cook the ingredients in a microwave and cook for 2 and 1/2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds.
• In a small bowl beat the egg whites by hand until foamy. Slowly add in the cornmeal, stirring to make sure it does not scramble the egg. Add the soy cheese/cheese if using.
• Top the casserole filling with the cornmeal mush.
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes the top should be puffed and lightly browned.

Steps:

• Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a 5- to 6-quart heavy pot over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then brown beef in 4 batches, stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes per batch, transferring with a slotted spoon to a bowl.
• Add remaining tablespoon oil to pot and sauté onion and jalapeños over moderately high heat, stirring, until onion is softened, about 4 minutes. Reduce heat to moderate, then add garlic, cocoa powder, salt, and spices and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Return beef to pot with any juices that have accumulated in bowl and stir in tomatoes, corn, and water. Simmer chili, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until meat is very tender, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours.
• Remove from heat and stir in beans, olives, cilantro, and salt to taste. Transfer chili to a shallow 3-quart baking dish.
• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Whisk together flour, cornmeal, cheese, sugar, baking powder, salt, cumin, cilantro, and jalapeño in a large bowl.
• Whisk together milk, butter, and egg in a small bowl, then stir into flour mixture until just combined.
• Drop batter by large spoonfuls (about 8) over chili, spacing them evenly, and bake in middle of oven 10 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350°F and bake pie until topping is cooked through, about 30 minutes more.