If you grew up in El Paso, you probably know that when the family gets together to make tamales for the holidays, nobody gets to just stand around and watch. If you’re in the kitchen, chances are someone’s handing you a corn husk and telling you to start spreading masa!
Well, it looks like James Talarico got a little taste of that El Paso tradition during his recent visit to the Sun City.
The Democratic U.S. Senate candidate made a stop at the beloved Gussie’s Bakery in Central El Paso, and instead of just picking up some tamales, he rolled up his sleeves and got put to work!
And if you’re going to learn how to make tamales in El Paso, Gussie’s is certainly a fitting place to do it.
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James Talarico Gets Put to Work Making Tamales at Gussie’s
On October 26, Talarico stopped by Gussie’s Bakery ahead of his campaign rally at the University of Texas at El Paso.
Wearing an apron and gloves, he joined bakery employees in the kitchen to learn how to prepare tamales, including spreading masa onto corn husks.
And as it turns out, Talarico already had a little experience with that particular motion. Just not in the kitchen! According to Gussie’s co-owner Rodolpho “Rudy” Gonzalez, Talarico shared a funny story about doing drywall work when he was younger- which, when you think about it, is kind of like spreading the masa!
Who knew drywall experience could come in handy during tamale season?!
And he didn’t leave empty-handed! Gonzalez said Talarico purchased a dozen red chile pork tamales to take with him on the road.
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Gussie’s Bakery Is an El Paso Holiday Tradition
For El Pasoans, Gussie’s Bakery needs little introduction, especially when the holidays roll around.
The family-owned bakery on North Piedras Street has been serving the community since 1973. While it’s also known for its pan dulce, pastries, and other baked goods, its tamales have become a holiday favorite for generations of El Paso families.
And if you’ve ever driven past Gussie’s during the Christmas season, you know just how serious people are about getting their hands on those tamales! We’re talking about people lining up as early as 5 in the morning, determined to take home a few dozen for their holiday celebrations.
Adrian AlvarezAdrian Alvarez
For many families, making tamales is about more than just the food. It’s about gathering in the kitchen, passing down recipes, and spending time together. Of course, it also means that anyone who happens to wander into the kitchen might suddenly find themselves recruited to help!
That’s what makes Talarico’s visit to Gussie’s such a fun little El Paso moment. He didn’t just get to enjoy the finished product. He got to experience some of the work that goes into making it.
And with the holidays just around the corner, it won’t be long before El Paso families are gathering around their own kitchen tables, spreading masa, filling corn husks, and continuing a tradition that has been passed down for generations.
As for Talarico, he got a tamale-making lesson and a dozen red chile pork tamales for the road. Not a bad way to experience a little El Paso tradition!
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Gallery Credit: Joanna Barba