Fresh masa can be purchased in one of two ways: prepared, pre-made masa for tamales and unprepared masa. Our family prefers to purchase unprepared masa and then we add lard, salt, broth, and baking powder, to give it the muy bueno touch. Grandma prepared it this way for years, so we carry on the tradition. So, if you choose to use our recipe make sure you purchase masa sin preparar (unprepared masa), which can be purchased in Mexican supermarkets.