Reddit mentions of Nopalito: A Mexican Kitchen [A Cookbook]

I'm not the person you're responding to, but I can provide some input. :)

This is an excellent (and authentic) tamale tutorial. Be sure to read both parts:
https://www.homesicktexan.com/2006/11/lets-make-tamales-part-1.html

If you want to get into making your own masa, then check out this cookbook which really does break down Mexican cooking into it's very basics. My cooking group has been cooking from it this month and it's all been amazing food:
https://www.amazon.com/Nopalito-Mexican-Kitchen-Gonzalo-Guzmán-ebook/dp/B01ILZPRK8/

Making vanilla extract is as simple as buying good quality vanilla beans and steeping them in some kind of alcohol for a while. I make several different varieties, but vodka is the main one since the alcohol is pretty much flavorless and so you get a pure vanilla. I also make a version with bourbon which I use a lot with chocolate recipes. So take your vanilla beans and split them lengthwise (exposes more of the inside to the liquid) and then put them in a bottle or a jar. Fill with the alcohol of your choice. Put in a cool dark place and let steep for at least 6 weeks (but the longer it sits, the better it gets).

What about Aaron Sanchez? There's also Gonzalo Guzman.

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