Masa Preparada

Directions

1. 1
   Mix all the ingredients except the lard in one mixing bowl.
2. 2
   Whip the lard separately in another bowl till fluffy.
3. 3
   Combine the two, mixing thoroughly until a small quantity of the masa floats when placed in a cup of water.
4. 4
   (Prepare pot for steaming with rocks or foil balls on the bottom and a layer of husks.) Soak the corn husks in water for a couple of hours.
5. 5
   Separate the husks into wide enough sheaves to wrap a tamale.
6. 6
   Spread the masa out on the husk with the back of a spoon to a thickness of about 1/8 of an inch (cover the husk) over appoximately 1/3 of the husk.
7. 7
   (Leave some room on the bottom to wrap up.) Insert filling in the center, wrap, fold the bottom, stand in pot and steam for two hours.