Deconstructed Tamales

While watching Trisha Yearwood on Food Network, I was inspired to try this dish.

Deconstructed Tamales
Cornmeal Cakes:
   2 cups broth or water
   1/2 cup cornmeal
   1/2 teaspoon salt
   1/2 cup sharp Cheddar cheese
   Vegetable oil & butter

1. Spray a baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Combine water, cornmeal and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium and cook about 5 to 7 minutes until thick and creamy.
3. Add cheese.
   
4. Pour into baking dish and allow to cool several hours of overnight.
   
5. Frying Cakes:Use a round cutter to cut out cornmeal cakes.
6. Meanwhile heat a thin layer or vegetable oil and an equal amount of butter in a skillet. (Either a non-stick pan or cast iron skillet is recommended.
7. Add cakes and fry on one side for 2 to 3 minutes.
8. Turn and fry on the other side.
   

Seasoned Pork:
   About 1/2 lb. Pulled Pork (recipe options include pulled pork loin or pulled pork)
   3/4 teaspoon teaspoon chili powder
   3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
   1 teaspoon cumin
   2 to 3 tablespoons green chilies
   Kosher salt & pepper to taste

1. Mix all ingredients together and heat.
   

Grated sharp Cheddar cheese
Pico de Gallo

To assemble:

1. Place fried Cornmeal Cake on plate.
   
2. Top with Seasoned Pork.
   
3. Add a little grated cheese.
   
4. Top with Pico de Gallo.
   

Recipe without photos . . .
Deconstructed Tamales
Cornmeal Cakes:
   2 cups broth or water
   1/2 cup cornmeal
   1/2 teaspoon salt
   1/2 cup sharp Cheddar cheese
   Vegetable oil & butter

1. Spray a baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Combine water, cornmeal and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium and cook about 5 to 7 minutes until thick and creamy.
3. Add cheese.
4. Pour into baking dish and allow to cool several hours of overnight.
5. Frying Cakes:Use a round cutter to cut out cornmeal cakes.
6. Meanwhile heat a thin layer or vegetable oil and an equal amount of butter in a skillet. (Either a non-stick pan or cast iron skillet is recommended.
7. Add cakes and fry on one side for 2 to 3 minutes.
8. Turn and fry on the other side.

Seasoned Pork:
   About 1/2 lb. Pulled Pork (recipe options include pulled pork loin or pulled pork)
   3/4 teaspoon teaspoon chili powder
   3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
   1 teaspoon cumin
   2 to 3 tablespoons green chilies
   Kosher salt & pepper to taste

1. Mix all ingredients together and heat.

Grated sharp Cheddar cheese
Pico de Gallo

To assemble:

1. Place fried Cornmeal Cake on plate.
2. Top with Seasoned Pork.
3. Add a little grated cheese.
4. Top with Pico de Gallo.