Tamale Bites

There aren't many appetizers on the blog but here is a good one. You can use any kind of precooked meat that you wish but we used turkey. Start by adding 1/2lb meat, 1t masa corn flour, 1t tomato paste, 1 small chopped onion, 1 minced garlic clove, 1t ground cumin, 2t dry thyme and 1 14 oz can stock to a frying pan. Heat to a low simmer and cook, uncovered until the liquid is reduced by half and the meat is fork tender. Set the meat and liquid aside. This dough can be made by hand or in a food processor. Mix 1C masa flour, 1/2t baking powder, 1/4t salt, 1/2t ground cumin and 2/3C stock ( we used the reserved cooking liquid from the meat) and mix until a crumbly mix is obtained. Add 1/2C melted shortening (we used lard - don't be put off, it imparts a wonderful flavor) and mix until the dough is smooth. Spray a mini-muffin tin with Pam and put a 2t ball of the dough in each cup. Smash the dough with your finger to make a well in the dough. Add 1/4C sour cream to the meat along with 1T fresh lime juice. Place the meat mixture into the dough cups and bake in a 350 degree over for about 20 min, until nicely browned. Serve plain or with your favorite salsa.