Directions: Preparing the Masa, Filling and Husk
Using a sharp knife, remove the kernels from ear of corn. Process until coarsely chopped. If you like it a little smoother, you can process a little longer, set aside.
Combine masa harina, chile ancho powder, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Gradually add warm chicken broth and using your hand, work into a soft dough.
In another glass bowl, melt the shortening or manteca in the microwave for a minute or so. Add the shortening and the reserved corn to the masa and work with hands until mixed well. If masa seems too thick add a little more chicken broth. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
While the masa chills, add the corn husk to a large pot or storage container. Cover completely with really hot water. Use a heavy bowl to weigh down the husk to make sure they stay immersed in the water. Let them soak for a good hour, rotating them halfway through soaking time.
Slice the cheese (both kindinto 2 inch x 1/4 inch strips, set aside. Remove the stems and seeds from the green chiles and jalapeños and slice peppers into equal size strips, set aside.
Assembling and Cooking Tamales
1.. When ready, take a few of the husks at a time, shake off excess water, if they are more than 4 inches wide, just tear off the side a little.
Place the corn husk, smooth side up, in the palm of your hand with the wide side closest to you. With a spoon, spread about 3 to 4 tablespoons of masa all over the bottom half of husk.
Add a strip of each kind of cheese and 1-2 strips of green chile and jalapeño lengthwise down the center of the tamale. On occasion, I will add 1 tablespoon of tomatillo salsa down the center. Fold one side in first, then the other side (it should overlap a little on the first fold). Fold down the top down and lay tamale seam side down until ready to cook. Wrap each tamal in deli paper. Repeat until all done.
Prepare regular large pot to steam tamales, take a metal steamer that expands out, place it in pot. Fill bottom of pot with about 6 cups of water. If using a large steamer pot with an insert, it takes about 12 cups of water to fill.
Arrange all of your tamales standing up (open side uaround the metal steamer. Insert a smaller, heat-proof bowl in the center of pot to keep the tamales upright.
Cover with foil paper, add lid, turn heat to high to get a quick boil going. Reduce heat and steam tamales for 1hour. Set the timer for 30 minutes at which time you will add another 2 cups of hot water to the pot. Continue steaming for another 30 minutes. Remove from heat and let them sit, covered, until ready to serve. Test a cooled tamal. If it peels away easily from the husk, they are done. As they cool, they will become more firm. Serve with your favorite salsas and toppings for garnish.