TAMALE PIE

Tamale Pie

1 1/4 cups cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups evaporated skim milk
1 cup water
1 pound lean ground beef
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup onion , diced
1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced
1 cup creamed corn
1/4 cup black olives, sliced
1 cup tomato sauce
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

For Crust: Combine cornmeal, salt, evaporated skim milk and water in a small saucepan; cook over medium heat, whisking frequently (to avoid lumps) until thick (7 minutes). Remove 1/2 cup of mixture and cover with plastic wrap (if you don't the mixture will harden too fast). Spread REMAINING mixture on bottom and sides of greased 8 inch square baking dish. Bake in oven for 10 minutes. (If you want, at this point you can start making the filling.) Remove.

For the Filling: Brown the ground beef, garlic, onion and bell pepper in a large skillet; drain. Add corn, olives, tomato sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper; mix well. Spoon into cornmeal crust. Drop rounded teaspoons of remaining cornmeal mixture on top of meat; sprinkle with cheese. Return to oven and bake for 15 minutes.