Tamales Paperback – March 21, 2003

Beautiful and well written book that goes beyond the basics and contains many unique recipes with easy to follow instructions. This title was released in 1997 and is out of print. Fortunate to have found a like new copy from an Amazon used bookseller.

This cookbook is best described as food in the tamale style in the same sense as a sandwich book is food in the sandwich style. For myself, this is a strength as it covers humitas (South American tamale) et. al., stuffed and unstuffed tamales, plain and flavored corn doughs ... My first criticism is that there is no quick way to identify what style of a tamale a particular recipe is. To me this matters for two reasons: (a) stuffing tamales is for me an indication of time required and (b) for unstuffed versions I need to identify if the tamale may already be sitting in my freezer.One of the strengths of this book for people cooking for one or two is that the recipes can not only lead to a freezer of prepared tamales but that the breadth of fillings allow one to use filling not only for tamales but as rice bowl toppers, independent stews, etc. This means that a cooking session produces a variety of meals. Examples: "Ratatouille Tamales with Rosemary-Questo Fresco Pesto", "Lamb Adobado Tamales with Eggplant-Black Olive Ragout", "Port-Poached Pear Tamales with Molasses Grilled Quail" ...The recipes themselves are reasonably easy to follow but the layout - a page or more of text divided into paragraphs - makes it easy to lose your place. Usually, it becomes obvious you missed something but then you have to go back, find your error and figure out how to do it at this point. Many of the recipes are accompanied by photos but when the back material includes credits for props materials, you know the home cook rendition is very unapt to look like the photo.As an introduction for a cook to understand how a skilled tamale cook sees foods from around the world incorporated into their skill set, this book is excellent. For traditional recipes, regional recipes, historical development ... you need to find a different option. Note that if you are interested in offal based tamales,  Tamales: Fast and Delicious Mexican Meals  is a complementary volume.

I got on the HOME MADE TAMALE CRAZE! I really loved making these tamales esp. when I had never made any before. These recipes cover tamales from other Hispanic countries and the different ways of cooking them. So I'm very satisfied with the book.

I really needed inspiration for side dishes and stuffings which, especially stuffings are limited. This book is VERY inspirational. Every tamale has a Masa and sauce coordinated with the fillings so I can even imagine making dips and stuffings for pita bread as well. Even polenta and rice dishes. Endless ideas. Yum!

A recipe is only a guide to deveate from....With tamales you can never go wrong. I believe after just a little reading you will start wondering about "COULD I FILL TAMALES WITH?????????:" TRY AND SEE. IT IS SORT OF LIKE MIXING LEFT OVERS YOU NEVER KNOW UNTIL YOU MAKE THEM. GOOD LUCK & LET YOUR IMAGINATION BE YOUR GUIDE.IF YOU ARE A PERSON THAT ONLY FOLLOWS RECIPES THIS IS A BOOK FOR YOU, ALSO..

This book is yet another excellent product of Mark Milner's innovative and fresh approach to Southwestern cuisine. He covers the fundamentals not only of basic tamale preparation but also offers numerous new and innovative combinations of ingredients. I had previously been to Mr. Milner's Coyote Cafe in Santa Fe to enjoy his tamale creations, so I defintely welcomed the opportunity to see in detail the techniques and ingredients used in their creation. This book should be a welcome addition to any kitchen whose cook enjoys this particular cusine.

hi, this is one of the best tamale cookbooks i have ever read. full of not only fillings but different coatings as well. i had never heard of making tamales out of rice before, but it is possible. this cookbook is a must for tamale lovers. i highly recommend it.enjoy , i know i am.

I would highly suggest that you buy this book to get some very unique recipes in tamale making. However for the beginner, go with Tamales 101, by Alice Tapp.

Bought this as a gift, no feedback.