By Holly Brown

Ring in 2013 by dining in and making classic handmade tamales at home with friends. Tamales are a special treat. Here’s how we make Pork Tamales with Chile Sauce, and assemble them as a group, perfect for New Year’s eve dinner party entertainment!

Tamale pork and sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance, so all you need to do on party day is make the masa, assemble the tamales in corn husks, steam them, and eat. Steaming takes about an hour and a half, so you’ll want to plan a 2 hour window of finger food and drinks while the tamales go from corn husk, to steam pot, to dining table.

We make tamales annually at TheBrownLounge with our friends and have a great time doing it. Everyone brings an hors d’oeuvres to share while we cook. We serve cocktails, and of course champagne. We also set a festive table and enjoy a sit down dinner. After dinner, we dance, play games, and watch the ball drop (on TV) as we ring in the New Year together in the comfort of our own home….no babysitters required!

For Classic Tamales, and other great main dish ideas for a New Year’s eve dinner party, try these delicious recipes:

• Handmade Classic Tamales
• Halibut Wrapped in Prosciutto and Fresh Basil
• Curry Ginger Lamb with Apricot Lime Sauce

Happy New Year!

Holly Brown, Publisher, FoodieTV Host of TheBrownLounge.com