Baked Tamales

Photo: flickr user Greencolander

Ingredients

2 pounds Ground beef

1 can Tomatoes (14 oz)

2 tablespoons Chili powder OR

5 teaspoons Ground ancho (pasilla) chile PLUS

1 teaspoon Cumin AND

1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon

1 Garlic clove, crushed

1 teaspoon Salt

1 cup Black olives

4 cups Corn meal

2 teaspoons Salt

8 cups Water

2 Eggs, well beaten

4 tablespoons Butter

Preparation

An early stage in the developent of the deep-dish tamale pie, with the real turn-of-the-century flavor.

In skillet, saute beef in pan until brown. Add tomatoes, chili powder, garlic, salt and olives. Cook 15 minutes.

Grease 9x13" baking dish and line bottom with 1/2 Corn Meal Dough. Add meat mixture and cover with remaining 1/2 Corn Meal Dough. Bake 20 minutes at 325'F. or until browned.

CORN MEAL DOUGH:Add corn meal and salt to water in pot. Bring to boil and cook over medium heat until thick, 5-10 minutes. Add eggs and butter. Stir well.