Christmas Tamale

Christmas Eve is a big day in Costa Rica. Most families gather and eat mountains of food and exchange small gifts back and forth. Several generations all in the yard, talking, laughing, playing, singing - an easy relaxed fiesta.


Each family has a secret recipe for the "best" tamales, which are cornmeal, rice, vegetables and meat, wrapped in banana leaves and boiled. These are quick, cheap and filling. Unwrap the leaf, and you have an instant plate on your lap.


Our Tico neighbours across the road (Eli and Brigita) arrived at our front gate at 6:30 am on Christmas eve with a seasonal gift - two homemade tamales for us. Fortunately, we were up already and both came out for smiles, handshakes, cheek kisses and Feliz Navidad. While tamales are not for everyone, this was sure a nice thing to share with us.

Still warm from cooking, delivered by our neighbours at 6:30 am