Tamale Wrappers...Parchment Paper?

[steveinjapan]

Right after I got the e-mail that there was another posting here, I remembered a) the 3 leftover parchment paper experiments from last month in the freezer (see my post above), and b) that I hadn't eaten breakfast yet! They microwaved hot and still taste great, with salsa on the side.[/b]

[christiefan2]

Frankly, in my opinion, you use what you have on hand. That is how new ways of doing things are created.

[MacJim]

I see that the Parchment Papers com in squares and also shaped like a corn husk. It would be nice to see how you would fold the squares. Can someone post some photos or video of the process?
Thanks

[Chef #1022077]

so excited to find your post and that you posted how it went! I've been thinking about changing the way I do my tamales due to the cost and how hard the hojas are to find! Growing up and even still to this day, there is a man in our metro that makes tamales and they are simply wrapped in parchement. I think all he does is rolls the up and twists the end! i will give it a try soon!

[Mama's Kitchen (Hope)]

Let us know how it comes out!

[lucky2charm]

Hello all, speaking as someone from the 'southwest' who grew up eating and making tamales (and we make em all year.. not just for holidays), The only difference between husks and parchment is the shape of the finished product. Knew that an opinion would not be good enough, so made a dozen and wrapped 6 in husks and 6 in parchment tamale wrappers (fiestaspices.com has 'em for about 3 bucks). Then had my picky little brother invite over 5 friends,when they were finished eating I asked them to tell me what the difference between the two tamales was, they gave me confused looks and said "nothing, was there supposed to be?" so my little experiment (with 6 seasoned tamale eaters!) said that if they dont know, they wont know!. SO happy eating and embrace change as it can make things easier, and let everyones palate decide for themselves. *cheers!*

[meccacitiizen4chg]

as you I dislike the corn husks, to much work. I had used the paper wrappers for years until my supplier stopped selling them. I had not made tamales for about 4 years when in desperation I used parchement paper finally and while it was not as easy as using the paper wrappers it got the job done. I had tried using banana leaves but the leaves gave the tamales a diffrent taste, it did not keep anyone from eating the tamales but it was noticable. In using the paper wrappers (and parchement paper) there was no diffrence in taste from the corn husks. As with anything there will always be those who swear there is a diffrence but I've not had anyone whose eaten our tamales say anything, they always ask for more!

I love the paper wrappers because my tamales come out uniform in size and bigger. There is no mess with cleaning and soaking and they store well. I have since found a source for ordering the paper wrappers on line which makes my grandchildren, nephews and nieces very happy as it had been a family tradition for them to join me during thanksgiving holiday to make tamales for the upcoming holiday season. It was a tradition that started when they were toddlers (teens now) and they missed it.

[Molly53]

meccacitiizen4chg wrote:
as you I dislike the corn husks, to much work. I had used the paper wrappers for years until my supplier stopped selling them. I had not made tamales for about 4 years when in desperation I used parchement paper finally and while it was not as easy as using the paper wrappers it got the job done. I had tried using banana leaves but the leaves gave the tamales a diffrent taste, it did not keep anyone from eating the tamales but it was noticable. In using the paper wrappers (and parchement paper) there was no diffrence in taste from the corn husks. As with anything there will always be those who swear there is a diffrence but I've not had anyone whose eaten our tamales say anything, they always ask for more!

I love the paper wrappers because my tamales come out uniform in size and bigger. There is no mess with cleaning and soaking and they store well. I have since found a source for ordering the paper wrappers on line which makes my grandchildren, nephews and nieces very happy as it had been a family tradition for them to join me during thanksgiving holiday to make tamales for the upcoming holiday season. It was a tradition that started when they were toddlers (teens now) and they missed it.

One can order the tamale papers here: http://www.walshpaper.com/

[Mama's Kitchen (Hope)]

Great info! Thanks!