Dia de la Candelaria

For most, the holiday season ended with New Year's and on came the responsibilities of 2017. However for some, and in true Hispanic fashion, the party continues throughout January and is extended all the way to February. January 6th marks the day of the Three Wise Men who visited Jesus when he was born and when children receive even more gifts. Festivities also include cutting a 'Rosca de Reyes' and whoever gets the little figurine that's baked inside has to buy tamales to celebrate the 'Dia de la Candelaria'. In all honesty, I'm not too sure what this feast day commemorates, but I never ask questions when it comes to tamales. Since I've never found a satisfying tamal in Edinburgh I figured I'd try my hand at making my own! Moreover, what a better excuse than that to have friends over for a nice weekend lunch! 

After a lot of consideration I decided upon three types of tamales: 1) chicken mole 2) refried beans, salsa verde, and cheese 3) rajas with cream. I'd made tamales one other time before this and went with chicken tinga and pork in salsa verde. They were really good, but I preferred to try something a bit different. The last time I made tamales it went pretty well; it only took me about a day from start to finish. But, since this time I'm making many more, I started a full day ahead. In the end I made around 50 tamales and they were all gone by the end of the weekend! According to popular consensus they came out delicious, which of course made me proud, but most importantly I was extremely happy to have people over and see them have a good time and enjoy each other's company!