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There are about as many variations on tamales as there are people who love them—which is to say a lot. A traditional dish in Mexico and many parts of Central and South America, tamales consist of masa-based dough filled with any number of meats, cheeses, chilies, vegetables, and seasonings, wrapped into perfect little corn-husk packages, and steamed. If you could gift wrap dinner, it’d look like a tamale. And who doesn’t like getting presents? Tamales are phenomenally versatile, and will quite literally mold themselves around whatever filling you like. We’ve got oodles of suggestions, but consider this recipe a launchpad to experiment with fillings and toppings to your heart’s delight.And while we’d never say no to a taco party, may we humbly suggest mixing up your next taco party with a tamale party? Invite some friends to help assemble, then unwrap, smother in all the toppings, and get down to partying.