Name: Coconut Tamales
Yield: Makes 6 servings
Ingredients: 15 dried corn husks (2 oz, or 1/4 package); 2 cups masa harina for tamales (see Tips, below); 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 vanilla bean, or 3/4 teaspoon pure nonalcoholic vanilla flavoring (see Tips, below) or vanilla extract; 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut; 1/3 cup vegetable shortening or butter, softened; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder (optional, see Tips, below); 1/3 cup raisins

(Tamal de Coco)

These tamales were created for a Mexican Passover menu, to accompany Santibañez's Slow-Braised Lamb Shanks with Guajillo-Pineapple Sauce. If you're not preparing the tamales for Passover, you can substitute nonkosher ingredients such as regular vanilla extract and butter.

Tips:

•Dried corn husks are available at www.mexgrocer.com.
•Masa harina, also called corn flour or instant corn masa mix for tamales, is corn that has been treated with lime and water then ground and dried. Santibañez recommends the Maseca brand, available at www.mexgrocer.com. If you buy Quaker masa, the most common brand available in the U.S., be sure to buy the "Masa Harina de Maiz," not the "Harina Preparada Para Tortillas." Regular corn meal can not be substituted for masa.
•Nonalcoholic pure vanilla flavoring (which, unlike regular vanilla extract, is kosher for Passover) is available from www.barryfarm.com.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.