Tamal de Limon

Directions

1. 1
   Rinse the cornhusks under cold water, place them in a bowl, and cover with boiling water (put a plate on top and weight it with a large can to keep them submerged).
2. 2
   Let sit for at least 30 minutes, or until soft.
3. 3
   In a bowl, combine the butter, shortening, and sugar with your hands or in a mixer with the paddle attachment until very creamy.
4. 4
   Add the masa and mix well (itll look a bit like coarse meal).
5. 5
   Combine a few drops of the food coloring with 3 tablespoons of the milk, then add that and the rest of the milk gradually while mixing until incorporated.
6. 6
   Stir in the lime zest and salt.
7. 7
   Drain the cornhusks and scoop about 1/4 cup of the batter into a husk, spreading it with the back of a spoon and leaving at least 1 inch all around (a little more on the long sides).
8. 8
   If the husks are too small or broken, put two together and overlap them.
9. 9
   Fold one of the long sides toward the center, and then fold the other long side on top.
10. 10
    Tuck the exposed sides underneath; if they are still too small, wrap the tamale in another husk and tie it with a thin strip of husk (this isnt necessary but is just an extra precaution).
11. 11
    Repeat to use up all the batter.
12. 12
    Fill a pot with enough hot water to reach just underneath, but not touching, a steamer (you can use the collapsible kind if you dont have a special pot).
13. 13
    Cover the bottom of the steamer with leftover cornhusks and arrange the tamales vertically, standing them up so they rest against one another.
14. 14
    Cover with any remaining leaves or scraps, cover with a lid, and cook over medium heat until the tamales slide out of the wrappers, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
15. 15
    Add more boiling water to the bottom pot as needed to make sure water reaches the bottom of the steamer.
16. 16
    Serve warm.
17. 17
    The tamales can be stored in the freezer, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 months.
18. 18
    There is a theory that many home cooks firmly believe in.
19. 19
    To test whether the dough has been beaten enough and is ready to be put in the husks, put a bit of dough in a glass filled with cold water.
20. 20
    If it begins to float, its ready and you can be sure that your tamales will be light and fluffy.
21. 21
    If it doesnt, just beat a bit longer.