Mmmm . . .Tamales!

Several years ago, while living in New Mexico, a friend invited me to come to her home and make tamales. I didn't tell her I had no idea what they were. (I'm sure she figured it out quickly though, when I asked her if the corn husks really taste good.) I still remember her trying to suppress hysterical laughter while explaining to me that you don't actually eat the husks. She also asked if I wanted to make hot or mild. At the time, I was actually purchasing 'extra mild' salsa, so you can imagine my reply.

Since then, I have developed a great appreciation for spicy foods. In fact, I was very disappointed a couple weeks ago. I tried the supposed "Dragon Sauce" at a local restaurant in our town. They claim it's soo hot you'll breathe fire! Unfortunately, there wasn't even a spark.


Anyway, for the past few weeks I have been craving tamales. I think my brain has just been saying "It's Christmas. Time to eat tamales." In New Mexico, you can find them everywhere from the grocery store parking lot (women will come up and ask if you want to buy them) to church dinners. Here, I don't have that luxury. So today I made Tamales myself.


Nya helped, and we ended up with around 6 dozen (not including the ones we scarfed down as soon as they were done steaming!) We made 3 kinds: extra spicy pork in red chile sauce, vegetarian with corn, green chile's, and cheese, and mild ones for the kids.


Now that I have had a few tamales it really feels like Christmas. It has also made me a little homesick for New Mexico. It's a place so rich with tradition and culture! I feel very blessed to have lived there.
I think I am going to start making tamales every year at Christmas from now on.