I unwrapped a steaming tamale, poured on some chili and took a bite that returned me to my youth. Now, of course, I know that Uncle Henry’s tamales are a unique version known as Mississippi ...

What do Tootsie Rolls, Jujubes and Hot Tamales all have in common ... She’s the author of Sweet as Sin: The Unwrapped Story of How Candy Became American’s Favorite Pleasure.

The tamales are then steamed for several hours before being served, unwrapped and enjoyed, usually with a cup of atole or champurrado, hot-chocolate-like drinks also common during the holidays.