Sweet Pear Tamales

I picked this up at the store the other day. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of brown sugar, if you like.

• Ready In: 1 hr 30 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 8  large  dried  corn husks
• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
• 2  cups masa harina flour, for tamales
• 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
• 1  teaspoon baking powder
• 1  teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon allspice
• 1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 1⁄2-2  cups  pear nectar
• 2  pears, ripe but firm, peeled and diced

Directions

1. Place corn husks in a large bowl of hot water. Place a plate on top to keep them submerged; let stand for at least 15 minutes.
2. Beat all ingredients EXCEPT pear nectar and pears in a large mixing bowl. Slowly beat in the pear nectar, adding enough to make a fluffy dough; stir in diced pears.
3. Drain husks and pat dry. Spread equal amounts of masa mixture down the center of each. Fold in sides, then the pointed end of each.
4. Place open side up in a large pot fitted with a steamer basket. Cover and steam for 1 hour. Best served soon after steamin.