Kathie Oh's Recipe

Chili W/ Cornmeal Crust

Category: entrees

No-Stick Cooking Spray
1/2 cup All-Vegetable Shortening, plus 2 tbsps., divided
OR 1/2 stick All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, plus 2 tbsps., divided
2 medium onions, chopped
1/2 green pepper, chopped
1 pound ground beef
1 (16 oz.) can chili beans, undrained
1 (12 oz.) can Mexican-style corn, drained
3/4 cup salsa or picante sauce
1/2 teaspoon cumin
2 cups Self-Rising Cornmeal Mix
4 tablespoons ice cold water
3/4 cup (6 oz.) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 large egg white
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
Sour cream (optional)

1.HEAT oven to 350F. Lightly spray an 11 x 7-inch dish with no-stick cooking spray.

2.MELT 2 tablespoons shortening in large skillet. Add onions and green pepper; saute until tender. Add ground beef; cook until browned. Drain.

3.STIR in beans, corn, salsa and cumin. Heat over low heat while preparing crust.

4.PLACE cornmeal mix into large bowl. Cut in 1/2 cup shortening with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add water, tossing with a fork to combine. Press into prepared pan. Layer ground beef mixture over crust.

5.BAKE 30 minutes.

6.COMBINE cheeses, milk, Worcestershire sauce and dry mustard in small bowl. Spread over the ground beef mixture. Bake an additional 15 minutes or until crust is browned.

7.COOL 15 minutes before serving. Top with sour cream, if desired.