Southwestern Snack Squared

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/4 cups (310 ml) all-purpose flour
1 cup (250 ml) thinly sliced green onions
3/4 cup (175 ml) Quaker Enriched Corn Meal
1 tablespoon (15 ml) firmly packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons (10 ml) baking powder
1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried oregano leaves, crushed
1/2 teaspoon (2 ml) ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) salt (optional)
1 cup milk (250 ml)
1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
1 egg
1 cup (4 ounces/120 g) shredded Cheddar cheese
1 can (4 ounces/120 g) chopped green chilies, well drained
1/4 cup (60 ml) finely chopped red bell pepper
2 slices crisp-cooked bacon, crumbled

PROCEDURES:

1. Preheat over to 400°F (200°C). Grease 11 x 7-inch (27.5 cl x 17.5 cm) baking dish. Combined flour, green onions, corn meal, brown sugar, baking powder, oregano, cumin and salt in large bowl; mix well.

2. Combined milk, oil and egg in small bowl. Add to corn meal mixture; mix just until moistened.

3. Spread evenly into prepared dish.

4. Combined cheese, chilies, bell pepper and bacon in medium bowl. Sprinkle evenly over corn meal mixture.

5. Bake 25 to 30 minutes until wooden toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Let stand at room temperature to cool 10 minutes before cutting.

~ Makes about 15 pieces

Note: Also great served as a side dish to fish, chicken or pork - Just cut into 8 pieces.