Make sure to use a good milk chocolate for this recipe. For a variation, add a tablespoon of chopped maraschino cherries.

Be sure to check out the related features links below for the FabulousFoods.com Tamale Tutorial with recipes and photo instructions for making this fabulous, festive food. Even if you're new to making tamales, you're sure to achieve spectacular results.

Prepare the masa:

In a large bowl, combine the masa, sugar and vanilla until well blended.

To assemble the tamales, place 1/2 cup of the masa mixture in the center of the smooth side of a corn husk. Using the back of a wet tablespoon, make an indentation down the middle of the masa and fill with 6 pieces of the chocolate. Fold both sides of the husk in toward the center, tie at both ends and prick the tamale several times using the tip of a very sharp knife to vent. Repeat for the remaining tamales.

Steam the tamales for 55 minutes or until done.