Tamale Pie

• 3/4 lb ground beef
• 3/4 lb ground pork
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 28 oz can tomatoes
• 14 oz can kernel corn
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp dry (1 tbsp fresh chopped) oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

• 3/4 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg, well beaten
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Preheat oven to 350F.

In a large skillet brown the meat, onion and garlic over medium high heat. Drain off excess liquid. Stir in tomatoes, corn and spices. Cover and simmer ten minutes. Spread the mixture in a shallow 3quart casserole. Set aside.

To prepare the topping:
In a small bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar and baking powder. In another, combine the milk, egg and melted butter. Stir the egg mixture into the flour mixture.

Spoon the topping over the meat mixture and sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered for 45 minutes or until the top is set slightly when touched.

• Yields: 6 servings
• Preparation Time: about 70 minutes