Holiday South Texas Tamales Method

In a large mixing bowl, mix shortening, masa harina, salt, and baking powder, then slowly add warm stock to incorporate into a dough. The dough should have the consistency of thick peanut butter. Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary, transfer to bowl and cover with wrap until ready to use

Tamal Masa Method

1. Soak corn husks in warm water for 20 minutes.

2. Scoop 3 ounces of the tamal masa in to the laid out, soaked, corn husk, with plastic wrap, press the masa to the width of the corn husk.

3. Place 2 ounces of tamal filling onto the portioned masa.

4. Using the husk, fold the masa over the filling, to fully engulf the filling.

5. Continue to fold the husk until you’ve created a package with the seams coming to thew bottom of the tamal.

6. Repeat steps for other tamales.

7. Steam tamales in a stove top steamer for 45 minutes.