Amaze with Maize: How to Make Pineapple and Golden Raisin Tamales
There is something new going on at Disney California Adventure Park - Disney ¡Viva Navidad!Donald Duck, Panchito Pistoles and Jose Carioca have taken over Paradise Gardens. The "Three Caballeros" lead the newest Christmas street party with folklorico and Carnaval dancers, high-energy Mariachis and Samba music! The celebration captures the essence of a colorful Latin fiesta at the happiest place on earth! One of the best highlights of celebrating a Latin Christmas is the food, of course! With the help of Disney Grand Californian Hotel Assistant Pastry Chef, Nubia Renteria I was there to help her prepare pineapple and golden raisin tamales. And now you can enjoy them too because she has shared her recipe! Accompany these mouthwatering tamales during the holiday season with a steaming cup of thick and creamy champurrado. Felices Fiestas! Don't miss Disney ¡Viva Navidad! From November 15, 2013 - January 6, 2014 with a special Three King's Day celebration on January 3-6, 2014.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups warm water
1 1/2 cups pineapple juice
1 cup honey
3 1/2 cups masa harina
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon coarse salt
3/4 cup vegetable shortening
1 1/2 cups golden raisins
1 1/2 cups finely diced fresh pineapple
3/4 cup vegetable oil or a cooking spray
22 dried cornhusks, soaked in boiling-hot water for 2 hours
Related: 21 zesty Mexican recipes that'll impress your abuela
Directions
1. Combine pineapple juice, water, and honey in a large bowl, whisking until completely combined; set aside.
2. Combine masa, baking powder, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Blend until combined. Add shortening; blend until shortening is evenly distributed through masa
3. Add the salt and the baking powder. Using a whisk combine all ingredients.
4. Add pineapple juice mixture, a cup at a time, until mixture resembles the consistency of mashed potatoes. (You may not use all of pineapple juice mixture.)
5. Gently fold in raisins and pineapple. Set aside for 1 hour.
6. Remove cornhusks from the water and drain. Spray insides of corn husks with nonstick spray.
7. Scoop out 1/3 cup of tamale dough and place inside a cornhusk. Using your hands, shape dough into a rectangle in the lower, wider part of the husk. Fold right side, then left side over tamale dough. Fold up bottom edge. Repeat with remaining tamale dough and corn husks.
8. Add a few inches water to a large stockpot, and place a steamer basket inside. Place tamales in steamer, stacking no more than 2 high. Place pot over high heat to bring water to a boil, then lower heat to medium-low.
9. Steam tamales about 1 hour, or until the tamales start to separate from the corn husks. Check water level periodically, and add more water if needed.
10. Remove pan from the heat and allow the tamales to rest 15 to 20 minutes while still covered. Serve warm.
- By Ericka Sanchez
For 20 delicious holiday main dishes and sides, visit Spoonful!
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