Help! Vegetarian Tamales: veggie shortening vs. frozen olive oil?

[relizabeth]

We've decided to make vegetarian tamales for xmas this year. But now must decide which way to make them. Any advice?

[bushwickgirl]

You can use corn oil or solid vegetable shortening. Don't use olive oil, it's not the right flavor profile for tamales. Freezing the olive oil first won't give you the effect of vegetable shortening, if that's what you were thinking. I personally use vegetable shortening, I think it gives a fluffier consistency to the masa, but corn oil is fine.