Indulge in the exotic flavors of the Pacific with our Guam Sweet Tamales. A delightful fusion of traditional tamale techniques with the vibrant ingredients of Guam's culinary heritage, these tamales offer a tantalizing journey for your taste buds. Each tender corn husk parcel is filled with a harmonious blend of tropical fruits like mango, coconut, and pineapple, infused with hints of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The sweetness of brown sugar or coconut sugar perfectly balances the savory notes, creating a symphony of flavors that evoke the essence of Guam's sun-kissed shores. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or a snack, our Guam Sweet Tamales promise a taste of paradise in every bite.

Here's a recipe for making Guam Sweet Tamales:

Ingredients:

For the masa dough:

• 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups coconut milk (or regular milk)

For the filling options:

• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup diced pineapple (fresh or canned)
• 1 cup sweetened red beans or mung beans (optional)

For assembly:

• Corn husks, soaked in warm water for at least 30 minutes

Instructions:

Prepare the Masa Dough:

1- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

2- In a separate bowl, combine the masa harina, baking powder, and salt.

3- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with coconut milk, until a soft dough forms. Mix until well combined. The dough should be the consistency of thick cake batter.

Prepare the Fillings:

1- If using sweetened shredded coconut, pineapple, or sweet beans, prepare them by draining any excess liquid and ensuring they are diced or shredded into small pieces.

Assembly:

1- Take a soaked corn husk and spread a thin layer of masa dough onto the center of the husk, leaving about an inch border on the sides and bottom.

2- Place a spoonful of your desired filling (coconut, pineapple, sweet beans) along the center of the masa dough.

Roll and Steam:

1- Fold the sides of the corn husk inward, covering the filling, and then fold the bottom of the husk up.

2- Repeat with the remaining ingredients, forming each tamale.

3- Arrange the tamales upright in a steamer basket, making sure they are packed tightly to prevent them from unraveling during cooking.

4- Steam the tamales over boiling water for about 60-90 minutes, or until the masa dough is cooked through and firm to the touch.

Serve:

1- Once cooked, allow the tamales to cool slightly before serving.

2- Serve warm, either on their own or with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

Enjoy your homemade Guam Sweet Tamales, bursting with tropical flavors and delightful textures!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values for the ingredients used in the recipe for Guam Sweet Tamales, based on standard serving sizes:

Masa Dough:

Masa Harina (2 cups):

• Calories: 480
• Carbohydrates: 108g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 12g

benefits:Masa harina is a type of corn flour made from dried corn kernels that have been cooked in limewater and then ground. It is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body. Additionally, masa harina is gluten-free and contains some fiber, which can aid digestion and promote a feeling of fullness.

Butter (1 cup):

• Calories: 1628
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 184g

benefits:Butter is a dairy product rich in fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. It provides a source of energy and adds richness and flavor to foods. However, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high saturated fat content.

Sugar (1 cup):

• Calories: 774
• Carbohydrates: 200g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that provides a quick source of energy. However, it is also high in calories and devoid of nutrients, so it should be consumed sparingly as part of a balanced diet.

Fillings:

Sweetened Shredded Coconut (1 cup):

• Calories: 684
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 57g
• Fiber: 24g

benefits:Coconut is rich in healthy fats, particularly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can provide a quick source of energy. It also contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as manganese and copper. However, sweetened shredded coconut may contain added sugars, so it should be consumed in moderation.

Pineapple (1 cup, diced):

• Calories: 82
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:Pineapple is a tropical fruit rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health. It also contains bromelain, an enzyme that may aid digestion by breaking down proteins. Pineapple is low in calories and a good source of fiber, making it a nutritious addition to the diet.

Sweetened Red Beans or Mung Beans (1 cup):

• Calories: 260
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 14g

benefits:Beans are a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are low in fat and cholesterol-free, making them heart-healthy. Sweetened red beans or mung beans can provide a sweet and nutritious filling for tamales, adding both flavor and nutritional value. However, it's important to be mindful of added sugars in sweetened versions.

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods. Additionally, the nutritional values for the entire batch of tamales would depend on the number of tamales made and how the ingredients are distributed among them.