The old-fashioned way is to use tequesquite, the naturally occurring form of sodium bicarbonate (sold in many Mexican markets). Because tamales don't contain strongly acidic ingredients, tequesquite's leavening is gentle, producing a lovely but less fluffy texture.

Despite the clarity with which this principle has been reiterated, most applicants believe that their own circumstances are unique and deserve an equality of respect, even when this might challenge a principle of at least part of the acquis. The UK, for example, believed that its wider trading links merited special consideration. The realisation that such consideration would not be forthcoming was particularly humiliating, given that the UK had been invited to participate in forming the acquis in 1955–57.

Shannon Gardner soon took the stage for her valedictorian speech after an introduction that described her as having a positive attitude which shone through in her speech. “Oh my lanta, we made it y’all,” Gardner started her speech, leaving the audience laughing.

… Remember him singing on the very first day of our journey? Not the songliest of songs, but a song nonetheless.