tamales

[sfbecky]

we are planning to make tamales at home on xmas eve...a few years ago on xmas eve day I saw people lining up at La Tapitia in South San Francisco to fill their containers w/ masa dough. Is that worth it? any other tips for shortcuts to tamale making? ....buy the carnitas?

[chefj]

It is definitely worth getting fresh Masa.
Carnitas is not usually used for tamale filling because it is too dry and rich. Braising pork butt in a red chili sauce is more traditional (at least for Northern Mexican style tamale).
I can't really speak to short cuts, We make the making of the Tamales part of the days celebration.