Basic Tamale Dough With Sweet Roasted Corn

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cook the corn in a non-stick pan, stirring constantly, till it is sweet and golden brown-brown - you want the natural sugars to come out. Mix the masa, baking pwdr, salt, and cumin thoroughly together. In another bowl, beat the butter and fat together till very light and creamy, about 5 min. Add in the corn and beat for 1 minute. Gradually beat in 3 Tbsp. of masa mix, then 3 Tbsp. of water till light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Continue beating in the masa and water, alternately, till the dough is very smooth and of spreading consistency, about 5 min.
3. Place 1 husk on a flat surface and put about 3 Tbsp. of dough in the center. Form it into a cylinder, leaving 1-inch on each end. Fold the sides of the husk to the center to overlap. At this point you can tie them or possibly fold the pointed end over the center of the tamale. Repeat with remaining filling. Place it seam side down on a 4-inch square piece of foil. Fill the foil with 1 Tbsp. of water and seal the foil closed, seam on top. Place in the oven and bake for 30 min.
4. This recipe yields 10 tamales.