1 c. cornmeal
1 c. cold water
1 c. boiling water
1 tsp. salt (optional)
1/2 lb. ground beef
1/4 c. chopped onions (optional)
1 (15 oz.) can chile con carne
Olives (optional)
1 c. grated cheese

Mix cornmeal with cold water; add boiling water and salt and cook over LOW heat until thickened (about 10 minutes), stirring occasionally. Brown ground beef and onions in heavy frying pan (or glass dish in microwave); drain. Stir in chili. Use 2/3 cornmeal mixture to line bottom of greased 9 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan. Pour in meat mixture and spread evenly. Cover with remaining cornmeal. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes. Glass dish at 325 degrees.

To make the fat content in this dish a little less, I use LEAN ground beef, and Mozzarella cheese. Sometimes I add a layer of vegetarian refried beans. (They're made without lard).