Snowbird Journal-Dec 20--Tamale Fest

Pat, Betsy's sister has a group of friends that at one time all worked in dietary services at Tucson United School District. They've known each other for years and meet  monthly to celebrate something or just get togther. One of their special treats is to be invited to Cruz's house for the Christmas Tamale Open House. Somehow Pat got all the Kimbrough-Kuhn clan invited this year. I think part of the reason is that Jim and Jeff both consider a tamale to be a food group all by itself. Jeff actually admitted that he firmly believes that if his day is not going according to plan he will eat a tamale and everything will be better. He also wanted to know how this wonderous food was put together. As I understand it there is a Christmas tradition regarding tamale's. It's where friends and family get together and make tamale's and then have a great meal. The preparation of the tamale's is as important as the meal itself. The making of the tamale can be broken down into several different tasks--one person will prepare the corn husk, another will put the masa on the husk, another will put the meat on, and then another will fold the corn husk. The tradition part of all this is getting together as a family or friends and through cooperative effort make this fantastic meal. Jeff was the pupil and Cruz and her two daughters were the instructors. I'm pretty sure that Jeff will eat far more tamale's than he'll ever make. The food was great and we appreciated so much being invited.  

Top Photo--Jeff stalking the tamale ingredients

Middle Photo--Hands On Training

Bottom Photo--Most of the Kimbrough-Kuhn Clan