Tamales

8 cups Masa (Meseca brand is best)
1 1/2 tablespoons salt
7 cups water or stock (plus more if needed)
1 1/3 cups lard or shortening
1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
1 cup red chile sauce, for masa flavoring (optional)
1 (8-ounce) package corn husks
4 cups filling (your choice!)

Place corn husks in a large bowl and cover with cool water. Soak corn husks in water for about 2 hours and while you prepare the masa.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa, salt, and water. Mix until masa forms a ball. In the bowl of stand mixer or using a hand mixer, cream lard (or shortening) and baking powder until light and fluffy. Add whipped lard to masa and mix. Continue to knead until a soft dough forms. Add red chile sauce, if using. Mix until combined.

To test if your masa is ready, drop a small ball of masa into a cup of water. If it sinks and does not move at all, continue to knead. If it rolls around or floats a little, the masa is ready!

Remove a corn husk from the water and make sure it has soaked long enough to be pliable. Place corn husk flat on the counter and using your hand or a butter knife, spread about 1/4 cup masa on to corn husk. Spread between 1/8-1/4 inch thick, going all the way to the bottom, leaving 1 inch on either side and a few inches at the top. Spoon a few tablespoons filling into the center of the masa. Bring both sides of the corn husk together and pinch the masa together to close in the filling.

Bring corn husk back to the sides and the roll around the tamale. Fold the excess at the top so that the seam is enclosed. Tie closed with extra strips of corn husk. Continue this process until your masa and filling are finished!

Line a steamer basket with extra soaked corn husks. Place tamales so that the open end is upright. Place steamer basket over a pot of water. Bring water to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cover with a lid and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until tamales are cooked through and masa is no longer sticky.

Remove cooked tamales from steamer. To serve, unwrap tamale from the husk and discard the husk or use it as a plate!