Well, I planned to work on my tamale recipe.

And that I did.

Mistakes were of course made along the way, but the end result today was worth every bit of trial and error.

I have realized that in some ways they are very forgiving, but in others not at all. For instance, you don't have to use any fat at all when making the dough- but it will be better if you use some lard. However- if you don't wring out the leaves you will never get the dough to come out solid enough.