Displaying unflinching loyalty to its proximity to the border, Sonoran cuisine was once again crowned the victor in the 23rd Tamale Making Contest, a yearly celebration of a dish that unites Latino families across borders and generations.
Resembling the family tamal-making gatherings known as “tamaladas,” the Dec. 13 competition at one of the Valley’s largest Hispanic markets featured recipes that preserve cultural identity, honor family history and evoke cherished memories.
As they spread the masa on corn husks and banana leaves and carefully folded each tamal, competitors said they recalled with nostalgia the moments spent preparing the dish with their loved ones in their homelands…