Thanks to Lorraine from Wyoming and Pat in SW Okla for your
tips in the 3-27 and 3-28th newsletters on hot tamales. I agree the thinner the
dough the better, I think . Also, I might be cooking mine too long thanks .
Also, for Sue in Fl. 3-28-08 newsletter.. Here is my recipe For Hot Tamales It
is helpful to have someone who has made them before show you how to put them
together and tie them, but I'll try to tell you.
Hot Tamales
2 Pounds of hamburger meat
1 cup of oil
4 ounces of chili powder( some hot chili powder or red pepper) if you like them
hot
Mix together set aside.
4 cups Self Rising corn meal ( You may have to make 2 mixes of this)
1 cup of oil
Mix with hot water
I use the hot tamale papers you buy at the grocery store here in the meat
department. Soak them in water they will be easier to work with. Spread the
cornmeal mixture (about 1/4 of a cup) on the paper to within 1 inch of the
edges.. Get a handful of the meat make it log shaped and place it in the middle
of the dough. Take the paper and get the dough evenly around the meat mixture
and the roll the paper lengthwise around it overlapping the paper... I use the
three string method. Pre cut your string about 6 to 8 inches in length . The
string is crochet string, not to thin but not thick like yarn either. Tie each
end of the tamale and then take a string and tie it tight in the middle. It is
easier to roll them first ( I set them on a cookie sheet or oblong cake pan,
till I am ready to tie) and then tie them. This recipe will make about 2 doz.
depending on how much meat you like in the middle and how much of the dough or
wrap you like.. After you get them made, you are ready to cook . Place them in a
large pot, cover with water and cook them on medium high for 30 minutes. Some
people fold the paper like a envelope and just use one string in the middle, I
just like the look of the other...Take the pot off the heat and let them sit for
10 minutes, take them out and place on some paper towels to cool.. After they
have cooled place what you want to eat in plastic bag in the fridge. They will
keep for 3 or 4 days in fridge and then freeze them or freeze them all until
your ready to eat... Just take them out of the freezer and put in a pot and boil
until thawed or microwave. If you are doing this with no helper , it will take
some time, but will make several meals. Everyone have a good day.
Trudymay in TN
http://www.nancyskitchen.com
