Tamales Dulces

First try at Tamales Dulces that I gave out as Christmas gifts. Need to add more food coloring, and tie my tamales a little tighter next time. They call for a lot of sugar - but do not taste that sweet - the corn balances out the sweetness.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch dried corn husks
• 1 1/2 cups butter
• 1 1/2 cups rice flour
• 2 1/4 cups masa harina
• 1 cup rice flour
• 1 1/2 cups water
• red food coloring, about 5-7 drops 
• 1 teasoon cinnamon
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup finely chopped almonds
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
  

Put corn husks in large pot of water to cover the husks. Place something large on top to keep the husks under water and let sit overnight to soften.

Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix the rice flour with the masa harina, adding water until the dough is well mixed.
Add the beaten butter-sugar mixture to the dough, beating after each addition until the dough is light and fluffy. Add red food coloring if desired.

For the filling, mix the cinnamon, sugar, raisins, almonds and sweet cream.

Place the corn, butter, sugar mixture in each tamale and top with a good spoonful of the cinnamon mixture, wrap them tight using a piece of husk to tie them, and steam them for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Makes 24.