Montecito Tamale Pie
This is an expandable dish that is layered, refrigerated if you wish, brought out to top with Corn bread batter & studded with jumbo black olives. We used our basic chili recipe but it would be fine to use any chili you like even canned. We separated the meat (ground turkey) from the beans (pinto). Our recipe for 3 bean chili is here. Instead of veal stock, we used the leftover turkey stock we had frozen from Thanksgiving and it gave the entire pie a fragrant richness. Once the meat and beans are done, they should be layered, meat first in a non-stick sprayed baking tin. Next, we topped the dish with an ample scattering of crumbled goat cheese. Adding a layer of very thin slices of medium cheddar, we covered with foil and then just left it to sit out for several hours, waiting for the trees and hungry trimmers to perform the final steps. To make this super easy, we just mixed up 2 pkgs of Jiffy Cornbread, using cream in place of milk and adding about a cup of frozen corn kernels. We layered the Cornbread batter on top and had fun placing all the shiny black olives in rows for added zip and decoration. Finally we baked it at 350 degrees, covered with foil for 30 minutes and then uncovered for another 20-25 minutes or until the Corn bread is puffed & golden brown.
Salsa Montecito for added sweet heat & crunch...
1C. Chopped skinned tomatoes or canned strips. 1 jalapeño chili devined & seeded & chopped (or to taste) 3 cloves of garlic smashed & chopped fine 1/4 Cup yellow bell pepper chopped 1/2 bunch of cilantro chopped fine 1/4 C. parsley chopped fine 4 green onions chopped 1T. Chopped red onion 1/4 C. wine vinegar 1 T. dried oregano leaves 2T. Olive oil 1 T. Balsamic (we used black berry infused) 2 tsp. agaves nectar or sugar Salt & black pepper to taste
We made our favorite salad for the holidays
Meanwhile...in came Tree Trimmers with a fluffy
noble tree that scented the room...
All the lights began to shine & twinkle.
Out came the decorations saved carefully through the years.
Some of the favorites are from the 50's...
As the Tamale Pie came out of the oven,
everyone filled their plates and topped it off
with the rich spicy salsa and a helping of Christmas salad.
And a fine dessert followed. Our favorite bread Pudding with a secret ingredient!
Our dessert was bread pudding with raisins that we topped with a dash of maple syrup and a nice dollop of whipped cream
The secret ingredient that made this so delicious was, (we are a little ashamed that it is so easy), some Hazelnut coffee creamer swapped for some of the cream.
A delicious way to create a memorable Christmas Tree and fond memories...
You better watch out, somebody special is coming to town!!!
The tamal (without the "e") sounds interesting!! I must try this out.
Posted by: Memoria | January 09, 2010 at 02:51 PM
This is so so so lovely. I love the tree and the beautiful Christmas decorations and all the wonderful food!!! Well done.
Posted by: Miranda | December 31, 2009 at 04:15 AM
Lovely post & who's that lovely gal?? Have a wonderful weekend!
Posted by: Blackswan | December 19, 2009 at 04:28 AM
Yummylicious!
Black olive garnish is great.
Wishing Happy and Delicious Holidays!
Posted by: alwayswinner786 | December 17, 2009 at 02:17 AM
Delicious feast here! Happy holidays!
Posted by: Natasha - 5 Star Foodie | December 16, 2009 at 08:16 PM
Never heard of that one before - sounds (& looks) good! And maple syrup on the B & B - can't go wrong.
Posted by: James | December 16, 2009 at 04:37 PM
Sounds like a perfect evening. Love the black olive garnish!
LL
Posted by: Lori Lynn | December 16, 2009 at 02:20 PM
Happy Holidays! that tamale pie looks delish
Posted by: Jessie | December 16, 2009 at 11:16 AM
You really know how to throw a party. Everything looks fab.
*kisses* HH
Posted by: Heavenly Housewife | December 15, 2009 at 11:19 PM
Very neat!
Posted by: Shirley | December 15, 2009 at 09:15 PM
My mother used to make Tamalie Pie. We loved it!
Posted by: Kristin Rimkus | December 15, 2009 at 08:59 PM
This sounds like a wonderful holiday tradition! Makes lots of wonderful family memories. Happy Holidays!
Posted by: Noel Chapman | December 15, 2009 at 03:33 PM
Sounds yummy! Happy Holidays!
Posted by: Alta (Tasty Eats At Home) | December 15, 2009 at 12:19 PM