How to make it

  • Defrost the banana leaves overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, and cut off any hard sections or sections with holes.
  • Cut the leaves into unbroken 12-inch pieces.
  • If the leaves are pliable, proceed with recipe.
  • If not, steam the banana leaves in the top of a double boiler until soft and pliable, 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Set aside until ready to assemble the tamales.
  • In a small saucepan, gently heat the rum.
  • Place the raisins and coconut in a small bowl and cover with the warm rum.
  • Let the raisins and coconut soak and absorb the rum while you prepare the masa filling.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer beat the vegetable shortening until very light, about 1 minute.
  • Add the sugar and half of the masa, and beat until combined.
  • Mix the milk and coconut milk and add alternately with the remaining masa in several batches to the mixture until mixture is the consistency of medium-thick cake batter.
  • Add baking powder, salt and cinnamon, and beat for 30 seconds.
  • Add the melted butter and beat to incorporate, being careful not to overmix.
  • Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the masa batter into the center of a banana leaf.
  • Place about 2 teaspoons of plumped raisins and coconut mixture in the center.
  • Fold 1 side over the batter, then the other to enclose the filling.
  • Bring the bottom and the top over the filling to create a small package.
  • Tie the tamale with a piece of string, and repeat with the remaining masa batter and filling.
  • Line a steamer insert with a layer of unused banana leaves.
  • Lay the tamales in the lined steamer, and steam over simmering water until the tamales are cooked through and release easily from the banana leaf wrappers, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature.
  • Yield: 18 sweet tamales

Reviews & Comments 4

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    " It was excellent "
    turtle66 ate it and said...
    Yum! My mom use to make similar sweet tamales using Pineapple...."I miss em'"
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    " It was excellent "
    peetabear ate it and said...
    these sound so good thank you for posting ^5
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    chefmeow ate it and said...
    Greatness. Have to give this a try and I also love masa harina. Great post and a high 5 my friend. Yummers.
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    lacrenshaw ate it and said...
    Quite the dessert, midge! My thanks and my five.
    Lorraine
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