Cornmeal Casserole Pie/Tamale Pie --------------------------------- Crust: 1 c. yellow cornmeal 1 c. cold water 2 c. boiling water 1 T. butter or margarine 1 t. salt Filling: 1 lb. ground beef 2 small onions, sliced 1/2 medium green pepper, chopped (about 1/2 cup) 3 T. yellow cornmeal 1 can (16-oz.) whole tomatoes 1 can (15-oz.) kidney beans, drained 1-2 t. chili powder 1 t. salt 1/2 t. crushed dried chiles 1/4 t. garlic powder 1/2 c. shredded taco-flavored or Cheddar cheese Garnish: shredded lettuce Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix 1 cup cornmeal and the cold water in 2-quart saucepan. Stir in boiling water, butter, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and bubbles; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Spread evenly over bottom and side of greased 3-quart casserole. Bake uncovered 15 minutes. While cornmeal crust is baking, prepare filling. Cook and stir ground beef over medium heat until light brown; drain. Stir in onions, green pepper, 3 tablespoons cornmeal, the tomatoes (with liquid), beans, chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt, chiles, and garlic powder. Pour into crust; sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered until bubbly, about 35 minutes. Serve on lettuce in bowls. Makes 8 servings.