Tamales

I am so excited because my sister and I are getting everything ready to make our Christmas tamales on December 2nd and 3rd.  We have been trying to get a tamalada going for months.  What is a tamalada you ask?  This is when family members get together to make a large amount of tamales, especially during the Christmas Holidays.  There can never be too many tamales.

First, we purchase masa or dough that is already mixed and made at a tortilleria.  Then we get the corn husks because they need to be placed in water so that they can be soft when we place the masa on there.

Next, is the carne de puerco or pork meat for the filling.  We use pork, chicken, and beans as fillings.  My favorite types of tamales are when we add raisins to the masa or dough.  The raisins add moisture and sweetness to the dough, and the best tasting tamales.

We used to cook tamales with our mother all of the time when we were growing up, but my mom is now too old to make tamales.  So, my sister and I enjoy carrying the tradition forward.  I love the feeling of family that is generated when making tamales.

How many of you are making your own tamales?  How many of you are paying someone to make tamales for you? 

Happy Tamaladas!!