Tamal panic in London

Photo www.melissaguerra.com

The fascination with tamales continues

Last week I got the following email with the subject being Making tamales in London:

Trying I should say

Zarela not many real Mexican restaurants or places to find ingredients
but having a Mexican Buffet this weekend and found a place in London to get stuff to make Tamales…
I am using Maseca Masa Instantanea de maiz nixtamalizado
It is not floating and worried I will not get the Tamales that I once got living in Tucson Az
What should I do?

I answered:
Did you use lard?  If so, what proportion of lard to masa did you use?  It should be 1 pound lard to 3 pounds of masa (already mixed with the chicken stock or water). Most of the lard will seep out when you steam the tamales which will be moist and fluffy

She replied:
the recipe on the pack said to use corn  oil
can I call you to discuss… I am panicking
I can always get more maza from London
Help in London

My answer:
If you call me right now,   I can speak to you.  I’m leaving in 15 minutes but oil does not work –your tamales ill be as hard as bricks, Read my article on tamales on the website and the recipe if you can’t call.
I also have a video right on my site on making tamales or you can go to www.youtube.com Tamales 1.2.3 by ZARELA MARTINEZ.

No reply
When I came back I sent another email: I’m back and you can call me and I’ll go through the procedure  with you.

She never called so I wonder I she ever made the tamales.  Did she read the article and recipe or watch my video.  I  guess I’ll never know.