Sunday, August 9, 2009

Tamale Griddle Cakes

Last week, my little sister went out to dinner with friends at the Cheesecake Factory, where she ordered a tamale cake appetizer. She wrote me an email telling me how good they were, with an attached copycat recipe, and promised to make them for me the next time she came for a visit. But then I couldn't stop thinking about them. Last thing before I went to bed, first thing when I woke up. Was it really possible to have the taste of tamales without all of the work? The notion made my heart leap up and dance the cucaracha. I was in love, enamorado, and we hadn't even been introduced. Mexican food, next to long walks on the beach and long stemmed red roses, has always had a special place in my heart. And so we met, and we've been inseparable ever since. You've got to try them to believe me. One bite and you'll find true love too.
Money Saving Tips: You'll need to buy masa harina for this recipe and you'll get a hefty bag. Store it in an airtight container and use it for tamales, corn tortillas, and sopas. It also makes a nice thickener for chilli and mexican style soups. Use leftover fresh corn kernels to save even more pennies. The original recipe calls for twice the amount of butter that I've used. I swapped out the excess for some broth.
Tamale Griddle Cakes
Notes: These make a fabulous light meal or appetizer. Leftovers are out of this world, too.
Estimated Cost: $2.00 for 12
1 and 1/2 cups corn kernels, divided use
1/4 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth or water
1/4 cup butter, softened
3 tablespoons sugar
1 pinch salt
heaping 1/2 cup masa harina
1/4 cup flour
In a blender, combine 3/4 cup corn kernels and butter. Process until almost smooth. Pour into bowl and add remaining ingredients, including remaining 3/4 cup corn kernels. Shape into 12 small patties. Preheat griddle over medium high heat and lightly coat with butter. Cook patties like pancakes, until golden brown on each side. Serve with avocado, sour cream, and fresh salsa.
Up Next:
Brownie Bites

36 comments:

Emily said...

Um delish!!! I LOVE tamales! They have been on my dinner list for a while now! Yours look delightful as always!

Christiana said...

Wow...my dh will love this recipe. He loves tamales, but I don't like to make them. :)

The JR said...

Great idea for us that don't want to try and make tamales. Am copying this one down!
Ramona

Sara @ Our Best Bites said...

K, this is my FAVORITE thing at Cheesecake Factory. LOVE them- I get that appetizer for dinner there! I've tried a different copycat, but this one looks a little easier. I might have to give it a go. Yum!

Fantastic Mr. R said...

Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you!
The code has been cracked and yours look even better. (I still promise to make them the next time I come, purely because I want to eat them.)

Fantastic Mr. R said...

PS...the pictures are beautiful. They belong in an art book. :) My kind of art.

wileyfamilyof5 said...

those look great. I think I will make them but with your smoked corn salsa.

Emily said...

These sound so good! I love the idea of eating tamales without all of the work of making them.

Anonymous said...

Holy Good Lord Almighty. Thank God for your sister! I have to try these... might have to do it this weekend!

~Delta Whiskey

laurie said...

Would be a great "holder" for my Chile Verde!

Adrienne said...

I am so making this tomorrow!

Kerstin said...

What a cool idea, they look delicious!

Michal said...

my mouth is watering. wow, these look wonderful.

Audra said...

Can't wait to try these! My hubby loves tamales but they aren't really something you can make all the time. These on the other hand...

Niki Jolene said...

Oh my! Wow. Bookmarked indeed!

:)

Tammy said...

I made these, and the whole family loved them. I especially like how they are shaped into little circles. Makes for for pretty plating! Thanks for sharing!

Fantastic Mr. R said...

I finally made them and they are my new favorite food. They really are delticious without much work. thanks. quick, simple, and so delicious...perfect

Susan said...

These are fantastic! I added some green chiles and pepper jack to your recipe to mimic my favorite favorite tamale filling. In fact, they're on tomorrow's Fathers Day menu. Thank you!

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