Kate Connally wrote:
> Who'da thunk it. In Pittsburgh!
>
> So, I'm planning to make tamales over the break.
> Tons and tons of tamales! Yum. So, I think to
> myself, "Gee, wouldn't it be great to be able to
> make them using fresh masa dough?" So, then I
> think to myself, "Gee, I wonder if it's possible
> that Reyna Foods (our lone Mexican grocer in the
> Strip District, who also make their own tortilla
> chips - I *love* their blue corn tortilla chips -
> in a small factory nearby) might have fresh masa
> available?" So, I call them up and say, "Hi. I
> realize it's a billion to one shot but I was wondering
> if there's any chance you might have any fresh masa
> dough?" Well, imagine my surprise and delight when
> they told me that yes I might be able to get some.
> They were probably going to make another batch before
> Xmas. So she took my name and number and said she'd
> call me this week if they made it. Yesterday I got
> the call, "Your fresh masa order is ready." Whoopee!
> So today I am off to the Strip at noon. (We get off
> early today for the holiday.) Boyoboyoboy. I can't wait.
> I will also stock up on all the other ingredients I need
> for my tamales and other goodies.
>
> I'm having a party next Thursday. I will have the tamales,
> of course, plus other Mexican, Mexican-like, and Latin
> American dishes. For example, Peruvian Papas a la Huancaina.
> And some jalapenos stuffed with chorizo and goat cheese.
> And horchata and sangria and maybe cocada (a Venezuelan
> coconut milk drink). And salmon tacos. Maybe a few other
> things. Not sure of all of it yet. Can't wait. I'm getting
> so hungry just thinking about it.
>
> Merry Xmas, everybody!
>
> Kate

I love it when I find "familiar" foods in an unfamiliar environment.
Congratulations! Knock yourself out with the tamales, and if you can, post
pictures! I'm so happy for you.

kili