Ann,MS (11:12:13 AM) :

Nopalitos Corn Pudding

Nopalitas are the pads of the prickly pear cactus. Buy them canned in Mexican food sections of some grocery stores. Occasionally they can be found fresh in gourmet food sections.

This casserole is delicious. It can be done without the nopalitas, but that's not much fun.

Combine:
1 can nopalitas, drained (or 1 can whole kernal corn)
1 can cream-style corn
1 c. cornmeal
1 c. melted butter or equivalent liquid butter substitute
3/4 c. skimmed evaporated milk
2 onions, chopped
2 eggs, beaten (or egg substitute)
1/2 t. baking soda
1 c. grated sharp cheddar
1 can green chiles, chopped

Cover with 1 c. grated sharp cheddar. Bake @ 350 for 1 hour. Cool 15 minutes before cutting into squares.
Note: Cottage cheese may be added (@ 1 c.) to replace some of the milk and butter.

Optional additions: 3-4 strips bacon, fried and crumbled; 1/2-1 c. ham, diced;
black olives; sour cream