A tamale (Spanish: tamal, from Nahuatl: tamalli) — also tamal — is a traditional Mesoamerican dish made of masa (a starchy dough, usually corn-based), which is steamed or boiled in a leaf wrapper. The wrapping is discarded before eating. Tamales can be filled with meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, chilies or any preparation according to taste, and both the filling and the cooking liquid may be seasoned.
Tamales have been traced back to the Ancient Mayans, who prepared them for feasts as early as the Preclassic period (1200-250 BC).
Tamales originated in Mesoamerica as early as 8000 to 5000 BC.Aztec and Maya civilizations, as well as the Olmeca and Tolteca before them, used tamales as portable food, often to support their armies, but also for hunters and travelers. Tamale use in the Inca Empire had been reported long before the Spanish visited the New World.
The diversity of native languages in Mesoamerica led to a number of local words for the tamale, many of which remain in use.
In Mexico, tamales begin with a dough made from nixtamalized corn (hominy), called masa, or a masa mix, such as Maseca and lard or vegetable shortening. Tamales are generally wrapped in corn husks or plantain leaves before cooking, depending on the region from which they come. They usually have a sweet or savory filling and are usually steamed until firm.
MY LIFE Rexx/Valentine
He lost his mind. Ain’t life unkind?
So now he’s playin’ hide ‘n’ seek.
And when he’s not around then it’s lost ‘n’ found.
10 or 20 times a week.
Is he in the pink?
The doctors seem to think that it’s just a pill away.
My Life ain’t no high life, baby.
That high life. . . it ain’t my life, no!
The car got wrecked. Y’know the side effect. . .
Romance ain’t what it used to be.
But then now we know that the afterglow
Honey, is just a pill away. . .
My Life ain’t no high life, baby.
That high life. . . it ain’t my life, no.
A memory loss. And now she’s the boss.
And she knows just how she wants it done.
A level head? Remember what the doctor said,
‘Honey, it’s just a pill away. . .’
My Life ain’t no high life, baby.
A L L N I G H T L O N G (Rexx/Freehill/Valentine/Dior)
(Verse 1)
Flamin’ youth got the Hollywood blues, hey.
Cadillac black y’ can’t refuse, no.
Close your eyes and they’re all the same.
So roll the dice and play the game
(Chorus)
All Night Long. Rockin’ the Rolls.
All Night Long. You’re out doin’ the stroll.
All Night Long. You still out payin’ the toll, Honey?
All Night.
(Verse 2)
A Russian dame playin’ love roulette, hey.
I don’t know why, but I can’t forget her.
She was a slumber party debutante.
Don’t look at me, 'cause you’re all I want.
(Chorus)
(Bridge)
I often wonder what became of that girl...
Y’know, I bet it gets pretty cold ‘n’ lonely
on her side of the world.
I might have to write that girl a letter
‘n’ tell her to bring back what it was that she
took with her when she went away.
I’ll say, “Hey, Honey. Give it to me!”
(Gtr Solo. Repeat Chorus out)