I had never had Art's before, so we thought we would try them. First off, they cost about $2 more a pkg. Secondly, when I microwaved them, there was a puddle of grease on the plate. Most importantly, to me anyway, they had a funny flavor. I ate four and gave the last one to my dog. I'll be switching back to the other ones which have always been tasty. I hope Alwan's continues to carry them! My wife says that they are provided by Winkler's.

@alfalfan8or : They're based in Morton.
www.artstamales.net/

@alfalfan8or : Steamed are much better. I never use a microwave for anything.

I wrap ours in paper towels and lightly place some water on the paper towel, then I put them in the microwave. I haven't found them to be greasy, but I don't think they taste the same as the original arts tamales. I can't explain the different taste, but it just is different.

I'll have to try them, I usually just make my own

I am not impressed with Art's. There are better tamales available.

@georgeted : You can't tell everyone you make them and not share the recipe.
Please. I do know it's very time consuming.

I am not a tamale fan.
My hubs loves tamales and he likes the tamales at Lorena's in East Peoria. No matter what he orders there, he always adds a tamale to his meal.

Does Winklers sell to the public?

@airtech The unmarked tamales in the photo are Winkler's. Alwan's buys them in bulk and repackages them in 4 packs.

I like the Winkler tamales that can be found at Alwan' s and Haddad's. Art's are OK.

@airtech : Yes. You can buy from Winklers.
Winkler Meats
733 SW Washington St, Peoria, IL 61602
(309) 671-1050

Truthfully, I can't remember last time I ate a tamale. May have been in the late 80's or early 90's.

@Funnylady : The base recipe I use is at beef loving Texans. I vary the stuffing, doing pork and chicken also. For Christmas I make a mixture of spices and nuts

@DennisinMH : Same with me.