Eating tamales with family is a holiday tradition in the Southwest, across the country, and in Latin America, where there are a variety of tamales available with different recipes depending on the culture preparing them. 

Mexican Americans in this region make corn-husk-wrapped tamales, while those with Central American roots typically wrap theirs in banana leaves. Puerto Rican versions of tamales don't use corn-based masa.

This article from The Atlantic details the differences in tamale recipes by region and how, for many, the holiday season is synonymous with tamales.

Ancient civilizations in Mexico made tamales dating back to as early as 8000 BC.

Learn about the history of tamales in this article from Cocina.

How to make them

Here is a Mexican Christmas tamale recipe from food.com

Do you make tamales at home during the holiday season or buy them locally? If you buy them, where do you get them?

Today (Nov. 3) is National Sandwich Day. 

According to National Day Calendar, the sandwich is believed to be the namesake of John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich.

Sandwiches come in several varities, including the club, the BLT, the cheesesteak, the grilled cheese, the submarine and the childhood favorite peanut butter and jelly.

What is your favorite sandwich? Which local restaurant makes your favorite sandwich?

With rising food costs, many of us could use a little help finding healthy and cost-efficient recipes. 

Planning out your weekly meals, buying seasonal produce and keeping ingredient lists short are a few ways to save money at the grocery store.

What have you been cooking in your kitchen? Feel free to share photos and recipes of your favorite summer meals.

Do you make a great salsa or a cool summer treat? We want to try it. 

Sign up for the Fire And Ice Duel held on July 15 for a chance to win a $50 gift card and be featured in this year's Southern Arizona FLAVORS cookbook! Upload your recipe here, or bring a copy of your recipe to the tasting to be eligible to participate.