I learned how to make tamales yesterday....

[laurafromtx]

...and I am pooped! I knew they were going to be a lot of work but it was so much fun the time flew.

A coworker and her mom came to instruct five of us, and it took us 9 hours from start to finish to make 30 dozen tamales - 10 dozen each of pork, chicken and beef. Alice (the mom) is very particular about her recipes and ingredients, and I am so very thankful that she shared them with us. Her masa recipe comes out much lighter and fluffier than any store bought or restaurant tamales I have eaten over the years. I am definitely spoiled now! I can see why making tamales is usually a family event done only once or twice a year.

I've written down all the steps to making them again, and may try a much smaller batch on my own again soon just to 'set' the process in my head. Practice makes perfect!

If you ever get the chance to try a homemade tamale, I guarantee you will love them!

[elizw]

they sound pretty intense to make. wow!! i bet they were yummy!

[laurafromtx]

Forgot to mention, I made the Almond Citrus Olive Oil cake from Everyday Italian (Giada De Laurentiis/Food Network) for this tamale party, and it was a big hit! It's a pretty rustic cake, and mine ended up falling in the middle a little bit, but it was good nonetheless. I also added fresh pineapple to the fruit (grapefruit/oranges).

[elizw]

Originally Posted by laurafromtx

Forgot to mention, I made the Almond Citrus Olive Oil cake from Everyday Italian (Giada De Laurentiis/Food Network) for this tamale party, and it was a big hit! It's a pretty rustic cake, and mine ended up falling in the middle a little bit, but it was good nonetheless. I also added fresh pineapple to the fruit (grapefruit/oranges).

i watched the show when she made it. it sounded interesting enough to be delicious. i kind of get tired of the same old stuff.

[2sdae]

cool sounding cake and home made tamales...I AM SO JEALOUS.......

[mona1949]

Originally Posted by laurafromtx

...and I am pooped! I knew they were going to be a lot of work but it was so much fun the time flew.

A coworker and her mom came to instruct five of us, and it took us 9 hours from start to finish to make 30 dozen tamales - 10 dozen each of pork, chicken and beef. Alice (the mom) is very particular about her recipes and ingredients, and I am so very thankful that she shared them with us. Her masa recipe comes out much lighter and fluffier than any store bought or restaurant tamales I have eaten over the years. I am definitely spoiled now! I can see why making tamales is usually a family event done only once or twice a year.

I've written down all the steps to making them again, and may try a much smaller batch on my own again soon just to 'set' the process in my head. Practice makes perfect!

If you ever get the chance to try a homemade tamale, I guarantee you will love them!

Would you like to share the recipe and instructions with us? I have a recipe that I use for tamales but it's very time consuming. Thanks

[Ironbaker]

I LOVE tamales but I'm scared of trying to make them. lol I've heard they are work but I would really love to know. If you're willing to share the scaled down version, I'd be interested too. That's a Sunday afternoon event.

[laurafromtx]

We're having Alice review the recipes, to make sure everything was written down correctly. Even thought there was 7 of us making them, there were 3 different 'stations' where things were happening and it was hard to keep up with everything! I will say I am now a master at cleaning/picking silks off the hojas (sp? the corn husks).

As soon as she gives her approval, I will share.

[2sdae]

oh do....we're waiting with baited breath so to speak!