Growing up as a first-generation Mexican American ... we would make tamales by the hundreds — and the recipe was never really written down. It was mostly a combination of my mom and grandma ...

"Tamales have been a cherished part of Christmas ... Jinich is a chef, cookbook author and the host of "Pati's Mexican Table" and "La Frontera" on PBS. "This is especially true during the holidays ...

Tamale pie is the ultimate hybrid dish — it’s equal parts casserole, chili and an all-around crowd-pleaser. Best of all ... for the ground beef in this recipe. Preheat the oven to 375 ...

Keep in mind that while tamales can be eaten throughout the year, Christmastime has become popular for this traditional Mexican dish primarily made with masa, a dough made from ground corn.

This recipe makes a lot of tamales so there’s more than enough to freeze. Plus, they can be frozen raw or steamed, which are an ideal make-ahead meal that’s wonderful for the holidays or a rainy ...