That tamale book is fantastic! Even if your husband doesn't like them, as I recall, you
entertain quite a bit. They're great to make up a bunch and have a stash in the freezer. They go straight from the freezer into the steamer and make a nice hearty appetizer or meal. It's also a fun interactive thing, which, I imagine in the Mexican tradition is why they make them at Christmas. The whole family gets involved. My cooking group made them once. Each person brought a filling, and I made a couple batches of masa. It was fun to drink and chat while making tamales. I like making them myself too. I'll make the filling one day, then stuff them another day. The actual assembly is a zen-like activity for me. I throw on a podcast or audio book and make a bunch. It's also one of those terrific shareable foods and because they're a little different, everyone remembers. "Hey, when are you making tamales????"
Glad you liked the cake! It's a winner, eh?