Name: Cornmeal Tamales
Ingredients: 3 pounds ground beef; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder; 1/4 cup chili powder; 4 tablespoons sugar; 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal; Two 8-ounce cans tomato sauce; 36 pieces parchment or wax paper cut into 5-inch squares; 4 cups yellow cornmeal mixed with 2 teaspoons salt

Image may contain Advertisement Poster Text Label Brochure Flyer and Paper

Cornmeal TamalesCookbook cover image courtesy of Random House

As tamales spread across Texas and the rest of the South, they underwent some changes. Easy-to-find cornmeal replaced the Mexican lime-slaked masa and paper squares were often used to roll up the tamales instead of the traditional corn shucks. Anglo tamale-eaters preferred beef to the traditional pork, so beef tamales became common.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Apple-Walnut Charoset

A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.