How to Make Fancy Cornbread Squares

For a fresh twist on cornbread, try this special layered dish for an appetizer or side dish. Contains four food groups.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• corn muffin mix
• an egg
• 16 oz can refried beans
• taco seasoning
• garlic clove
• 3.25 oz can pitted ripe olives
• green bell pepper
• 2-3 small tomatoes
• 2 oz shredded cheddar cheese
• sour cream
• fresh cilantro or parsley
• rectangular pan
• mixing bowl
• garlic press
• large spreader or spatula
• knife or food chopper

1. Set oven to 350 degrees to preheat.

2. Prepare the corn muffin mix, and an additional egg, according to the package directions in a mixing bowl.

3. Spray a 13x9 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray. Pour corn batter into the pan. Spread evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until done. (A cake tester should come out clean.) Let cool completely, about 45 minutes.

4. While the cornbread is baking and cooling combine refried beans, taco seasoning mix. Using a garlic press, add one clove of garlic. (If you don't have a garlic press, peel a clove and chop it very fine with a knife or food chopper.) Set aside until the cornbread cools.

5. Using a knife or food chopper, chop olives, green peppers (1/2 cup), and tomatoes. Mix them up together on your cutting board or in a bowl.

6. Once the cornbread has cooled completely, spread the bean mixture over the top, like you're frosting a cake.

7. Add the vegetable mixture and top off with grated cheese and a dollop of sour cream on the approximate serving size. Sprinkle with snipped fresh cilantro (or parsley).

8. Cut into three inch squares and serve. Makes about 12 appetizer-size servings. If serving as a side dish, makes about 6 servings (approximately 4 1/2 inch squares).

Tips & Warnings

• Grate the cheese with a cheese grater. Pre-shredded cheese has additives to keep the cheese from sticking and spoiling.
• Use an olive oil non-stick spray.
• If you don't own a food chopper, I'd recommend getting one. It saves a ton of time over a knife.
• Don't try to use a food chopper for tomatoes, they'll just mush.

[ellewhite]

on 8/6/2009 I am going to have to try this when my family isn't looking. Generally, I'm not allowed to try to cook or bake, but this sounds worth the risk!!!

[GreenGardenChic]

on 10/26/2008 This fancy cornbread recipe is going to be perfect for my potluck next weekend. Yum.