The Annual Alonzo Family Tamalada*A Poem by Bob BIn contrast with the cold morning air, The house was cozy and warm As we all arrived to participate Like worker bees starting to swarm. The smell of pork and refried beans Permeated the room. The champagne bottles were chilling on ice-- How much did we consume? Sally brought some egg McMuffins. I thought, "Something's amiss: Egg McMuffins and NO pan dulce!°° What kind of party is this?"
But I wouldn't miss it--nope--for nada: The annual Alonzo family tamalada.
The giant bucket of masa°°° awaited Marisa's kneading hands. While she kneaded the dough, the rest of us Listened for Sally's commands. After a brief champagne toast, Our assembly line started. Everyone had a job to do; It wasn't for the faint-hearted. Spreading the masa on the husks Was a messy task. I wondered, "How many will we make?" But I was afraid to ask.
It wasn't very long before Everyone in the casa Was practically covered from head to foot With fluffy tamale masa. We spread and stuffed and folded and wrapped While Sally entertained us. The conversation, laughter, fun, And champagne all sustained us. The wonderful smells of lunch also Encouraged us to work hard Lest we be known as shirkers and our Reputations be marred.
But I wouldn't miss it--nope--for nada: The annual Alonzo family tamalada.
After a few hundred tamales, The masa was getting low. I said, "Yay! We're almost done!" But Alice said, "Oh, no. That was just the pork; now we're Making chile and cheese." Blurry-eyed I held up my spoon And said, "More hojas,°°°° please." On and on we continued to work Like hive bees making honey. But it was worth it, for these tamales Are more valuable than money.
Alice, Yvonne, Kathy, Yolie, Aida, and Sally know why-- As do Marisa, Rebecca, Karen, Marisol, Nancy, and I-- We always look forward to getting together For laughter, fun, and cheer And this spirited, heart-warming gathering Whenever December is here. Homemade tamales can't be beat When made in our special fashion With love, care, conviviality, Warmth, goodwill and passion.
I wouldn't miss it--nope--for nada: The annual Alonzo family tamalada.
°tamale-making party °°Mexican sweet bread °°°dough °°°°(corn husk) leaves
(12-14-15) By Bob B © 2017 Bob B |
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Added on December 14, 2015 Last Updated on February 6, 2017 |