Tamale Pie

From “Better Homes & Gardens New Cookbook” (Meredith).

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped green pepper
• 2 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 1 (12-ounce) can (1 1/2 cups) whole kernel corn, drained
• 1/2 cup pitted ripe olives, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 to 3 teaspoons chili powder
• Dash pepper
• 6 ounces sharp process American cheese, shredded (11/2 cups)
• 3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups cold water
• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine

Make filling: Cook meat, onion, and green pepper in a large skillet till meat is lightly browned and vegetables are tender. Stir in tomato sauce, corn, olives, garlic, sugar, chili powder, and pepper. Simmer 20 to 25 minutes, or until thick. Add cheese; stir till melted. Turn into greased 9-by-9-by-2-inch baking dish.

Make cornmeal topper: Stir cornmeal and 1/4 teaspoon salt into cold water. Cook and stir till thick. Add butter; mix well. Spoon over hot meat mixture.

Bake: Bake casserole in moderate oven (375 degrees) about 40 minutes. Makes 6 servings.

Per serving: 440 calories; 23 g fat (11 g saturated fat; 47 percent calories from fat); 34 g carbohydrates; 84 mg cholesterol; 1,216 mg sodium; 26 g protein; 5 g fiber.

Green Goddess Salad

From “Better Homes & Gardens New Cookbook” (Meredith).

• Salad:
• 6 cups torn romaine, chilled
• 3 cups torn curly endive, chilled
• 1 (9-ounce) package frozen artichoke hearts, cooked, drained, and chilled
• 1/2 cup pitted ripe olives, sliced
• 1 (2-ounce) can rolled anchovy fillets
• 2 medium tomatoes, cut in wedges (optional)
• Dressing:
• 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup finely snipped chives
• 2 tablespoons tarragon vinegar
• 2 tablespoons snipped parsley
• 1 tablespoon crushed tarragon
• 4 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
• 1 green onion, finely snipped

In a large salad bowl, combine romaine, endive, artichokes, olives, anchovies and tomatoes. Top with desired amount of Green Goddess Dressing. Roll-toss until greens are all well-coated. Makes 6 servings.

Green Goddess Dressing: Combine remaining ingredients; mix well; chill. Makes 2 cups dressing.

Per serving (with about 21/2 tablespoons dressing): 268 calories; 24 g fat (4 g saturated fat; 81 percent calories from fat); 8 g carbohydrates; 24 mg cholesterol; 621 mg sodium; 6 g protein; 3 g fiber.