Tamale Pie

this will warm you from the inside out

(serves 3)

for crust:
2 1/2 cups cornmeal
2 tsp. backing powder
1 tsp. salt
1 Tbs oil
1 cup water

for filling:
4 cups boiled water
2 cups instant black or refried beans
1/4 cup tomato base
2 tsp. garlic
1 tsp. pepper
cayenne and/or hotsauce to taste
1 cup sliced cheese


*mix the crust ingredients until moistened; the dough should resemble stiff bisquit dough
*flatten into frybake and cook until the top looks dry being careful not to burn the bottom
*remove from heat and poke hole in the surface
*spread butter over the surface
*put 1/2 cup cheese on top of crust

*add all the filling ingredients (expect cheese) to the boiled water
*stir until well mixed and remove from heat
*spoon mixture on to crust and spread over the melted cheese
*put remaining cheese on top of bean mixture

*cover and cook over low heat until cheese melts; rotating pan frequently to avoid burning the crust