Sweet Coconut Tamales with Chocolate Shavings

Name: Sweet Coconut Tamales with Chocolate Shavings
Yield: makes 24 tamales
Ingredients: Dried corn husks; 2 1/2 cups masa harina (Maseca brand is recommended); 1 cup whole milk; 1 cup coconut milk; 3/4 cup solid vegetable shortening; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut flakes, toasted; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 teaspoons salt; 3/4 cup Mexican crema, homemade (page 102) or store-bought; 3/4 cup cream of coconut; Dark chocolate shavings

December 9, 2011

Sweet tamales are not as well known as their savory cousins, but they are just as delicious and satisfying. Coconut and chocolate are always a good combination, but when you throw sweetened corn masa into the mix you get an unexpected symphony of flavors that seem to have been created just for this dessert. When serving them, I like to create a “tamal bar.” This allows my guests to unwrap their tamales and top them with all the toasted coconut, chocolate, and cream they want.

Recipe notes

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