We made tamales. I can hardly believe it. My mom and some of her friends got together to help me make tamales today. It was an adventure and there was laughter throughout the day. I must tell the truth and share that in fact there were even some tears. The tears happened when I feared the burn of the tamale…scary!

Our reason for this adventure was to raise some good ole’ green. Our friends are adopting and we wanted to help. At our present situation we cannot do a whole lot so we decided to do some fundraising. I printed pictures of Amos Dowensky and showed them off to all the “tamale ladies” that passed through the house today. Of course, they were all taken by his cuteness.

We made 38 dozen tamales. 20 were already sold in advanced orders. The other 18 went quick within minutes of them being cooked. All the children were out selling them to the neighbors. This world is a funny place.

Some interesting tamaleness.

1. When purchasing the goods you must visit stores that seem a little scary. When buying the masa I saw a man carrying a skinned goat or deer on his back. In truth, it was called a meat market, but really?

2. It involves lots of trips to the store for things that you completely thought you had enough of, but didn’t.

3. It means random ladies coming up to you in the meat aisle offering their advice on what meat to purchase.

4. It is all about the pork butt that we bought. I am serious. The tag on the meat was called PORK BUTT. I had never seen such a thing. It was even cut into two nice plump pieces. I laughed so hard that I got my mom laughing. I cannot count how many times I said pork butt today.

5. I bought lard people. LARD. I did not think I would see the day.

6. At the end of the day there is no desire to eat a tamale. I purchased a dozen beef tamales. You can find them sitting on the counter ready for someone to enjoy them. Maybe tomorrow.

7. It is fun. I loved talking with my mom and my niece. My niece is so talented because she was talking, making tamales, and listening to her ipod all at the same time. I love her.

If you are interested here are some pictures from our tamale day. Enjoy! (my mom is in the pink)

Adios Amigas!