FRESH CHEESE AND JALAPEñO TAMALES

Steps:

• Rinse the husks and put them in a dish where they can soak - put something of weight down on them so they stay submerged. We use our clean sink. Once softened, drain and set aside.
• In a separate bowl, mix the maseca, oil, chicken stock, salt and baking powder. You don't want it to be doughy, but you don't want it to be runny - after all, you will be spreading it loosely in the husks. If you are using oil instead of lard, ensure you are generous with your salt because lard gives so much flavor that you will need to replace if you are using oil instead. Set that masa aside.
• Cut your cheese into 1/2 inch strips, and place in a bowl.
• Open the can of peppers and dump into a large bowl and set aside (or, if roasting peppers, roast, cut into strips and set aside).
• Place the husks, salsa, peppers and cheese together so you can get started. Have a large pan next to you to hold the tamales until they are ready to go in the Instant Pot.
• Take a tamale husk and spread 3-4 Tbsp of dough out with the back of a spoon. Place a strip of cheese in the center, followed by a strip or two of peppers, and 2 spoons of salsa. Fold the left side of the husk over the center. Then the right over the center, and then fold the bottom flap up, and set on the tray next to your work area. Repeat with the remainder of the masa.
• Once you have used all your masa/husks, rinse your hands, and place the steamer rack in the bottom of your Instant Pot. Fill the pot with 1 1/2 C. water, and place a piece of foil on the top of the steamer rack and mold up the excess to the side of the pot.
• Carefully place your tamales in the Instant Pot, the neater and tighter you place them, the more you will be able to cook at once. I am able to fit 18 very carefully with a little room around the edge of the pot. Place the lid on the pot, and close the valve.
• Set the pot for 27 minutes on manual (high) pressure. It will take some time to come to pressure, once it does, it will count down the minutes that are remaining on the front of the Instant Pot.
• Once the pot beeps done, allow to rest for 5 minutes, then do a quick release and carefully open the lid. Allow the steam to dissipate for a few minutes, then carefully use a thong to remove the tamales and put in a baking pan.
• Enjoy with additional salsa. Refrigerate leftover tamales, and reheat leftover tamales for 20-30 seconds in the microwave with the husk on; then remove the husk prior to enjoying.