The Secret Ingredient

So today was my first time actually HELPING with the family tamale tradition instead of just eating them!!

The Secret Ingredient

Abuela Rosa has been making these for like 60 years and watching her work is honestly mesmerizing. Her hands just KNOW what to do - she doesn’t measure anything, doesn’t follow a recipe, just goes by feel and smell and all this knowledge that’s been passed down through generations.

I kept asking her for measurements and she’d just laugh and say “un poquito más” or “when it feels right, mija.” Super helpful, Abuela!! But honestly watching her spread the masa and fold the corn husks was like watching an artist. My attempts looked like… well, like a college student who’s never made tamales before attempted to make tamales.

The kitchen smelled INCREDIBLE - like cumin and chili and comfort and HOME. When I asked her what the secret ingredient was, she got all sentimental and said “amor, mi nieta. Love.” Which was so sweet until I watched her add what looked like half a pound of lard and I’m pretty sure THAT’S the real secret ingredient LOL.

My tamales are definitely not winning any beauty contests but they taste like family and that’s what matters. Plus now I have something to brag about to Carmen - I learned Abuela’s recipe first!! (Don’t tell her I said that)