Making Tamales: It's a family affair

Growing up in a Mestizo household, these pockets of masa filled with chicken, k'ol and some veggies were a favorite for many special occasions, from birthdays to New Year's parties. With my aunt and grandma in the lead, my cousins and I had the little tasks of gathering the plantain leaves needed to wrap the tamales and washing and chopping the onions and tomatoes needed for the saut�. I would watch in wonder at the careful process of making this one dish, and of courses, enjoyed eating them hot out of the pot when they were ready!

Just shy of the New Year I got nostalgic for the foods I grew up eating and thus, our My Beautiful Belize family decided to make tamales! It was quite an experience for Tamara, Mary and I, working in the kitchen all day while sipping on tasty, yet non-traditional cranberry margaritas. While making tamales can be a bit time consuming, the steps are rather easy, and that's where teamwork comes in! The ingredients are easily found at your local grocery store. Here is our recipe so that you too, can have fun cooking with the family!

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