Memorial Day Special Feast ~ Chicken and Tomatillo Tamales

2 pounds of tomatillos.
Remove the husks.
In a large dutch oven, combine tomatillos and water to cover. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; boil for 8 to 10 minutes, or until tender.

Drain tomatillos, reserving 1 1/2 cups cooking water.

Puree tomatillos.

2-3 pound rotisserie chicken, skin removed and meat shredded.

1 package dried corn husks

Soak in warm water for 30 minutes.

1 onion chopped and 4 cloves garlic minced.

In a small skilled, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook for 5 to 6 minutes, or until tender.

In a large bowl, combine pureed tomatillos, onion mixture, chicken, 2 cups Monterey Jack and Colby cheese (I added mexican cheese also), cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Cover and set aside. Mixture can be made one day ahead.

Beat 2 cups all-vegetable shortening until fluffy. Combine 6 cups masa harina with salt, cumin, chili powder, pepper and salt. Gradually add to shortening beating until smooth. Gradually stir in reserved 1 1/2 cup tomatillo cooking water, beating until mixture is smooth.

Drain the corn husks, and pat dry. On a clean, flat surface, place 1 husk, small end facing up. Spread about 2 tablespoons masa mixture over husk, leaving a 2-inch border at bottom and top of husk, but covering right 4 inches of husk. Masa mixture should be about 1/8 inch thick. Spread about 2 tablespoons chicken mixture down center of masa mixture. Roll up tamale, starting from the right side, to completely enclose masa mixture and chicken mixture. Cut 4 corn husks into 1/8 inch wide strips. Tie top end (the small end) of tamale with a corn husk strip.

Repeat procedure with remaining corn husks, masa mixture, and chicken mixture.

A little time consuming.........I had to have Steve help me:) The whole procedure took 4 hours. Now it's time to steam for 25 minutes.

It was worth every minute. Homemade Tamales with Mexican sour cream, cheese and salsa. Fresh sliced watermelon.

Mango Martini and Iced Tea
For dessert we had Nikos favorite.........Homemade cheese cake:)

I really enjoyed making the Tamales. It was fun, you should try them.