Tamal Dulce

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large saucepan, slowly boil the syrup, star anise, cloves, orange and cinnamon stick. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes. Strain the mixture into the masa harina, stir to incorporate and discard the strained spices and fruit. Add the corn, pine nuts, sultana raisins, asadero cheese, and banana pieces to the masa mixture. Thaw a package of banana leaves by placing the still sealed leaves in a shallow pan of hot water, until thawed. Open package and rinse leaves in cool water then cut into 8-inch pieces. Assemble the tamales by placing 4 ounces of the mixture in the center of each banana leaf. And fold in sides to create a package. Place into the oven and bake for 20 minutes.