SNAP!

[#1]

Cinco de Mayo—or the fifth of May—commemorates the Mexican army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867). A relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture, heritage and food. Cinco de Mayo traditions include parades, mariachi music performances and street festivals in cities and towns across Mexico and the United States.

Homemade Tamales

Recipes and photos courtesy of www.TasteofHome.com

Use these steps to learn how to make tamales, plus find delicious tamale recipes below.

Tamales are a celebratory food served during the Christmas season and other special occasions. While they're a treat to eat, the art of preparing them is just as special. Friends and family come together for tamaladas, a party-like gathering centered around preparing and feasting on these savory stuffed delicacies cooked in corn husks.

PASTRY

Ingredients

3 cups Masa Harina flour

1-3/4 cups water

1 cup lard or shortening

1 teaspoon salt

1 package corn husks

 Note: Look for dried corn husks and masa harina in the ethnic aisle.

Step 1

Whip first four ingredients (masa) until light and fluffy. It should be very thick and well combined.

             Step 2

              Properly beaten dough will float when dropped into cold water.

Step 3

Pat dough to within 1-in. of edges of each corn husk. Top with filling (see recipes below).

 Step 4

Roll corn husk around the filling. Fold top and bottom edges under; tie with kitchen string.

Step 5

Arrange tied tamales in an upright position in a steamer basket. Pour 1 cup water or chicken broth broth into bottom of steamer, let steam for 45 min. Add more water if needed. When done, husk should peel back easily from dough.

Tamale fillings vary—fillings can include roasted peppers, shredded pork, chicken, vegetables, cheese and more. No matter how you fill them, tamales make a festive addition to any celebration.

Beef or Pork Filling

Ingredients

1 pound ground pork or beef

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 garlic clove, minced

1 can (10-1/2 ounces) tomato puree

1 tart apple, peeled and chopped

1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

1/2 cup chopped almonds, toasted

1 tablespoon cider vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

 Directions

In large skillet, cook the pork, onion and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 25 minutes. Cool slightly before assembling tamales

 Chicken Chili Filling

Ingredients

1 broiler/fryer chicken (3 to 4 pounds), cut up

3 quarts water

1 medium onion, quartered

2 teaspoons salt

1 garlic clove, crushed

6 tablespoons canola oil

6 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3/4 cup chili powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 cans (2-1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained

Directions

In a Dutch oven, combine the chicken, water, onion, salt and garlic. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes or until meat is tender. Remove chicken from broth; set aside until cool enough to handle. Strain broth; skim fat (use this liquid for steaming tamales)  Finely chop or shred chicken. Mix in remaining ingredients except for olives.  Fill tamales with mixture, top with olives before closing.

Did You Know?

Masa harina, Spanish for "dough flour," is the traditional flour used to make tortillas, tamales and other Mexican dishes. Although it is made from ground corn, masa harina is not like cornmeal. You cannot substitute one for the other in recipes.

Find more Cinco de Mayo recipes at www.TasteofHome.com.

[#2]

These recipes make my mouth water. I'm ready to drop everything and make them today. The only problem is I don't have any corn husks handy. Does anyone know if there is an alternative for husks that I could use?

[#3]

I was curious about that also. I'm going to make these this weekend. Someone told me that you can find corn husks in most ethnic aisles of grocery stores...if I can't locate them, I'm going to try parchment paper (which breathes a bit, rather than trying aluminum foil.)  I'll let you know how they turn out!  

[#4]

Thanks! I look forward to hearing how this goes.