OK, I've never had a tamale

[The empressof all]

They're sort of like corn-dogs stuffed with chili--right?


OK, really I'm only kidding--just wanted to get a rise out of all you tamale junkies here. But please, clue me in--How would I know a good one if I found it. Are they always stuffed with pork and an olive? Are they a Christmas tradition? Would I be able to find them at a Mexican grocer? Should they be fresh or could I get them frozen.

I'm clueless about the tamales

[n2mark]

1. Tamales

A good tamale? That depends on personal taste. My friend makes them and they are the best. The tamale is not overloaded with masa, she does add enough sauce to keep the masa moist, beef is used rather then pork, and adds the olive in the middle. I love the olive in the middle, there is something from the olive that gives it a better flavor.

The tamale is not real thick either. The tamales are also spicy.
One of these daymy friend and I will get together so I can learn how she makes them. She also makes green corn tamales, they are great too! I won't buy the frozen, I would think they would be dry or too salty. Just find places or friends that sell them, take your pick. Your tastes may not be the same as mine.

[NMDemDist2]

4. if you buy them frozen, defrost then warm in your steamer

that is the only way to heat/re heat tamales

your vegetabel steamer is your tamale's best friend :)

[bearfan454]

2. I've never had them with an olive

I'd be willing to try it though. I like pork the best. The traditional way here in Tx is to use a hog's head for them. I use pork roast instead. It is a gigagntic hassle to make them. The kitchen is a mess for about 2 or 3 days. You can get them stuffed with pork, chicken, or beef. I have even had some sweet ones stuffed with brown sugar and raisins. My Mom used to make them every Christmas Eve when we were kids. My favorite is to have pork tamales with Wolf chili and cheese on top. There is a sweet banana, onion, tomato, oil and vinegar sauce that goes superbly with them.

[Frogtutor]

3. I've bought frozen ones before

from Sam's Club; they were actually pretty good, and they have different varieties. I like to dip them in sour cream, or guacamole...Mmmmmm

:9

[cally]

5. Find a Mexican or Latin American restaurant and

order Tamales. If you like it, then it's a good one. I like the ones that are very flavorful and have more stuffing. The best ones I've ever had are when friends make them. They spend hours making Tamales for Christmas or Christmas Eve. Occasionally someone will share some with me...Yummm. A Guatemalan friend may come help me make some this year. I'm a little worried about it because I think they are lots of work.

[Cadence]

6. Mmmm. Tamales.

I need to learn how to make them at home. I crave the masa a lot.